Marvin Lee Ballard

He was born Jan. 4, 1928 in East St. Louis, IL to Otto and Laura (Smith) Ballard. He married Norma Royster in Peoria on April 5, 1952. She survives.

Also surviving are his son, David Ballard of Champaign; daughter, Deborah (Brad) Foster of Bartonville; five grandchildren, Chad Ballard, Jeremy Foster, Mandy Ballard, Timothy Ballard, Jessie (Ryne) Meardy; two great grandchildren, Lillian Spracklen, Izaak Campbell; sister, Jean Stephenson of East Peoria; and brother, Bob Ballard of Peoria Heights.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Floyd, Lloyd, Don; sister, Noma Patterson; and granddaughter, Amber Marie Ballard.

Marvin was a U.S. Army WWII Veteran serving with the Armored Infantry. He worked at Komatsu Dresser retiring in 1994. He was a member of Boiler Makers Local #158. He attended Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria. He loved his savior, Jesus, and his family deeply and will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 6, 2011 at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria. Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Chapel with Dr. Ben Johnston officiating. Burial will be at Springdale Cemetery in Peoria.

Memorials may be made to Passages Hospice of Peoria.