Charles E Ballard, 79, of Boonville, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. Charles was born Charles E Reeves on Dec. 5, 1941, the son of Donald Pershing Reeves and Geneva Ann Fletcher. At age 6, he was adopted by Bevan and Vianna Ballard and his name was changed to Charles E Ballard. Charles grew up in Mountain Grove, where he graduated from high school in 1960. Charles was hard working. He started his career in Boonville at St. Joseph Hospital and worked various roles in ambulance service and advanced to Director of Purchasing at the former Cooper County Memorial Hospital from where he retired. His love for people had him pursue evening hours as well at Nordyne and most recently full time at Isle of Capris Casino. Charles loved to make people laugh, he loved hunting, fishing, always had a smile on his face and most of all he loved his six children. He was preceded in death by his biological parents, adopted parents and infant brother, Jerry Lee Reeves. He is survived by two brothers and a sister, Dennis Reeves (Carmen), of Chula Vista, Calif.; Ben Reeves (Elizabeth), of Platteville, Wisc.; and Jay Hughes, (Mark) of Omaha, Neb.; two sons, Charles L Ballard (Melanie), of Barling, Ark. and Dennis Eugene Ballard (Steven O’Neill), of Studio City, Calif.; four daughters, Debbie Ballard, of Barling, Ark.; Rita Bowie (Chris), of Boonville; Charlene Thomas (Scott), of Boonville; and Julie Willaredt (Vince), of Granite City, Ill. Charles is survived by 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The family will have a private service on Saturday at Howard Funeral Home and Burial will be at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Boonville. Memorial contributions are suggested to Boonville Animal Shelter (1691 E. Morgan Street Boonville, Mo. 65233). Online condolences may be left at www.howardfh.com.
