Ben Ballard Jr.

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Ben Ballard Jr., 83, Shawneetown, passed away Tuesday, May 4, 2010, at his residence, surrounded by his family.

Ben was born Nov. 18, 1926, to the late Ben Sr. and Mable Ballard of Eldorado. He married the former Phyllis Rogers on Sept. 27, 1955.

Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Phyllis Ballard; a son, Jeff (Cindy) Ballard of Newport Richey, Fla.; three grandchildren, Chelsea, Morgan and Logan Ballard of Harrisburg; and a niece, Rob (Tim) McGrath of Eldorado.

He was a U.S. veteran of World War II, serving in the Pacific on the USS Lexington. He was co-owner and operator of Eldorado Automotive for 36 years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Equality, a member of the Saline County Conservancy District, Gallatin County Housing Authority, commander of Shawneetown American Legion, member of the Masonic Lodge for 60 years and mayor of Shawneetown for two terms.

He loved to bird hunt and play golf with his friends. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 6, 2010, at Cox and Son Funeral Home in Shawneetown with the Rev. Jim Allison officiating. Burial will be in Westwood Cemetery in Shawneetown with military rites. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until service time on Thursday. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice or Equality First United Methodist Church. Cox and Son Funeral Home in Shawneetown is in charge of the arrangements.