Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home
98 W. Main St.
Norwalk, OH 44857
Phone: 419.663.4513
Fax: 419.663.6809
Cell Phone: 419.663.3504
Email: wehfh@eastmanfuneralhome.com
Website: https://www.eastmanfuneralhome.com/norwalk
View All Obituaries from Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home
David "Dave" S. Ballard, 72, of Norwalk, passed away Monday evening, January 2, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Dave was born on June 16, 1950, in Norwalk, OH, to the late David K. and Donna (Sayles) Ballard.
He was a 1968 graduate of Norwalk High School and was inducted into the Norwalk High School Hall of Fame in 2018 as a distinguished citizen.
Dave proudly served his country during the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Army, 101st Airborne Division. He was a crew chief door gunner on CH47 Chinooks from 1970 - 1971. Dave served in the Air National Guard from 1974 - 1977. He was a Bronze Star recipient and received various other air medals. Dave was a ride mechanic at Cedar Point for 28 years and a member of Laborer's Union #480. In retirement, he served other veterans by being a transporter at the Ohio Veteran's Home. Dave was a life member of the V.F.W. Post #2743, American Legion Post #41, Disabled American Veterans, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Eerie Mad River Model Railroad Club, and chairman of the Huron County Veteran's Memorial Committee. In his spare time, Dave enjoyed woodworking, model railroading, and painting. His greatest joy of all was spending time with friends and family, especially his grandchildren.
Dave is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Bonny (Bartow) Ballard, whom he married on August 31, 1974; children, Randi (James) Plue of Sandusky, Matthew (Nicole) Ballard of Norwalk, and Jillian (Jon Konz) Ballard of Wakeman; grandchildren, Michael, Gloria, Isabelle, Zachary, Elle, Theodore, Charlotte, and Ian; brother, Dennis "Jake" (Janet) Ballard of Collins; sisters, Debi (Don) Helton of Norwalk and Dawn Freeman of Norwalk; sisters-in-law, Lorna Koehn of Norwalk and Connie Bartow of Sandusky, and numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Gloria Bartow; father-in-law, Ralph Bartow; brothers-in-law, Randy Bartow, David Koehn, and Michael Freeman.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2023, from 4 pm to 7 pm at Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 W. Main Street, Norwalk, OH 44857. One hour of visitation will be held on Friday, January 6, 2023, from 10 am until the time of funeral service at 11 am, also at Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions can be made to Stein Hospice Services, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870, Wounded Warriors Project, P.O.Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, or to one's favorite charity.
Fond memories and condolences may be shared online at www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com
