BENTON – Mr. Russell Joseph Ballard Jr., age 75, of Benton, passed away at 12:30 a.m. Friday, July 19, 2024, at his home.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. Sunday until the funeral hour at 1:00 p.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home. Burial with Military Honors by the Army National Guard will follow at the Baltimore Cemetery, South of Wayne City, IL.
Russell Joseph Ballard was born on April 25, 1949, in Wayne City, IL, the son of Russell Joseph Ballard and Ruth Allie (Hood) Ballard.
Mr. Ballard served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant. During his service in Vietnam his bravery helped him attain National Defense Medal, Air Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver and 1 Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. Marksman (M-16 Rifle), Expert (.45 Caliber Pistol), Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Honor Medal (2nd Class). He was proud to have served his country.
He was a member of V.F.W. Post# 1301 of Marion, IL, and American Legion Post# 0528 of Christopher, IL.
Joe was a self-employed over the road truck driver.
On June 4, 1993, he married Lea Neri, and this past June 4th, they have been married for 31 years.
Joe and Lea enjoyed traveling, camping, trail hiking, and gardening together.
Surviving is his loving wife of 31 years, Lea Ballard of Benton, IL; two children, a son, Steven Ballard of Mt. Vernon, IL, a daughter, Jody Carter of KY; seven grandchildren Victoria, Shara, Austin, Makaila, Jordan, Hanna and Sith; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Jerry Ballard and Ernie Ballard.
The family prefers memorial contributions be made to the Christopher American Legion Post #0528 and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Joe, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
