Marvin Ezra Ballard

Born on April 11, 1914, in Mayberry, Oregon to Scott and Evelyn Gossett Ballard. Preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Eunice (Amil) Killin and Mary (Earl) Groat; and brothers, Irvin (Virginia) and Kenneth (Betty). Marvin is survived by nieces, Evelyn (Wes) Jennings and Joan (Jim) Serviss; niece-in-law, Carla Groat; nephews, David Groat, Dale (Terri) Ballard, Terry (Jeannie) Ballard, Doug (Reva) Ballard, Steve Ballard and Scott Ballard. He is predeceased by niece, Bonnie Myatt, and nephew, Ray Groat.

Young Marvin's family moved up and down the Columbia River Gorge, following his father's work in the woods, to Palmer, to Bridal Veil, to Hood River, Corbett, and a house in Troutdale where his father and grandfather worked on the Columbia River Highway construction. There were the lean days at Pleasant Home during the Depression when his family gleaned leftover cabbage and potatoes from farmers' fields to survive.

Finally in 1941 Marvin's folks purchased a house on Linden Avenue in Gresham. Other than while in the service, Marvin lived in and around Gresham the rest of his life.

Marvin was one of the last living World War II Veterans. He proudly served in the U. S. Army Air Corps, and was based, among other stations, in India and flew many missions as a radioman. After leaving the service, Marvin worked until retirement for Gresham TV and Radio.

In 1956, at the age of 42, Marvin married Lela Sharer. They shared many trips and activities with their fellow Living Hope Church members. Lela preceded Marvin in death at Pleasant Valley Residential Care where they had resided together.