TROY – Sheldon Otis Ballard Sr., 86, died peacefully Sunday, July 5, 2009, at his home. He was surrounded by his loving family. He was born Sept. 10, 1922, in Fairfield, the son of Harry F. and Abbie G. (Crouse) Ballard Sr. He was one of 13 children. Sheldon served our country from 1943 to 1946 in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a machinist by trade and retired from Hackett Machine, Brewer. Sheldon enjoyed being outdoors, especially if it included mowing his lawn. He liked fishing in the Maine woods, hunting on his property and taking trips around the country. He played cribbage, rummy and solitaire, and enjoyed eating strawberry pie and chocolate cake. He is survived by his five children, Duane Ballard of Troy, Sharon Moody and her husband, Paul, of Troy, Dan Ballard and his wife, Leverda, of Daytona Beach, Fla., Sheldon Ballard Jr. of Troy and Michael Ballard and his wife, Linda, of Pittsfield; 18 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Adeline Wood, Florence Wood and Joanne Greenleaf; many nieces and nephews; and will be especially missed by his dog, Bobo. He was predeceased by four brothers, Elbridge, Bryon, Donald and Harry Jr.; and five sisters, Dorothy Clark, Doris Ballard, Beryl Phillips, Frances Modelski and Myrtle Ballard. A graveside service with military honors will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, at Village Cemetery, Peltoma Avenue, Pittsfield. All are welcome to a gathering at Sheldon’s home, The Promised Land, immediately after the service. Care for the Ballard family has been provided by Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, 191 Hartland Ave., Pittsfield. To sign an online guest book and leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.shoreynichols.com.
SHELDON OTIS BALLARD SR.
