Joseph \Eddie\"" Ballard Obituary (1929 - 2011)

Mr. Joseph Eddie Ballard, 81, of Madisonville, passed away Tuesday, May 31, 2011, at the Regional Medical Center in Madisonville. \ He was born December 16, 1929 in Cloverport, KY to the late Charles and Julia Ballard. He was preceded in death by one brother, Charles Ballard. \ Mr. Ballard was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Madisonville and the Knights of Columbus. \ Eddie served in the Air Force. He opened Melody Lanes in 1959, served as the Hopkins Co. Democratic Chairmen for 12 years and served in the General Assembly as 10th district State Representative for 24 years. He started the Christian Food Bank of Hopkins Co. 27 years ago, which is still in operation in Madisonville. He served on many committees. One of his proudest accomplishments was the completion of the Veterans Nursing Home in Hanson, KY. He worked tirelessly for many years to make that a reality. \ He is survived by his wife, Rae Ballard of Madisonville; five children, Kim (Jim) Burton of Atlanta, GA; Mike (Annette) Ballard of Franklin, KY; Brad Ballard of Madisonville; Pat Ballard of Madisonville and Mary (Tom) Gardi of Jupiter, FL; six grandchildren, Jim (Jadie) Burton and Jacob Burton of Atlanta; Ben and Elizabeth Ballard of Murray, KY; Leigh Ballard of Franklin, KY; Tara Ballard of Madisonville; two sisters, Lou Jones of Owensboro, KY and Joyce Stroud of Danville, IL and several nieces and nephews. \ Funeral mass will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday at Christ the King Church in Madisonville with Father Gerald Calhoun officiating. Burial will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery. \ Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Friday and from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. on Saturday at the funeral home. \ Memorial donations may be made to the Christian Food Bank of Hopkins County. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. \