Robert E. Ballard III of Jefferson, Iowa, passed away at Greene County Medical Center on July 4, 2013 following a year-long battle with cancer.

A celebration of life will be held 3:00 pm Sunday, July 14 at the Central Christian Church in Jefferson. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, followed by the memorial service.

A memorial service will also be held in Robert’s hometown of Princeton, IN on Saturday, July 27.

Robert was born March 6, 1954 in Princeton, IN to Robert Jr. & Leatha (Lyles) Ballard.

The oldest of six siblings, he grew up playing baseball where he was an All-Star pitcher and shortstop, loved helping his grandfather Earl Lyles on the farm, was active in the Boys & Girls Club, and sang with his family at many area churches. He was a member of the Class of 1972 at Princeton High School and later earned his GED.

He married Laura Holtz on September 20, 1986 in Princeton.

They welcomed the light of their life, daughter Dorthea Elise, on May 29, 1996. Robert worked in manufacturing and construction throughout his career, most recently with B&D Manufacturing. Robert and Laura also lived in Huntsville, AL and Huntington, IN before making their home in Jefferson in 2003.

Robert loved a good game of pool, heading to the races to watch Chad Louk in the #20 car, the Chicago Bulls, and the Indianapolis Colts. Some of his favorite memories were made with Dennis Louk and his fishing buddies on trips to Lake Erie and Lake of the Woods. He was a dedicated Rams fan, attending Thea’s games and cheering for all “his girls”.

Robert is survived by his wife Laura and daughter Thea; sisters Pamela Ballard of Decatur, GA and Valena (Herschell) Paris of Springfield OH; brothers Pervis and Jan (Rhonda Agnew), both of Princeton, and Jonathan of Evansville IN; mother-in-law Lynda Holtz of Jefferson; father- & mother-in-law Larry & Deb Holtz of Union KY; sisters-in-law Lisa (Mitch) Willis of Jefferson and Lana (Bill) Campbell of Fairdale KY, and Stephanie Freeman of Phoenix AZ; brother-in-law Brandon Freeman of Louisville KY; and nieces and nephews Gena Ballard and her children, Bilaye & Zuri Huitt of College Park GA; Conisha, Jurrien, and Marquis Ballard of Princeton; Molly Campbell of Fairdale; and Parker WIllis of Jefferson.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home, Jefferson, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.