George "Marty" Myron Ballard Jr.

A consummate example of a funeral director; a leader with a servant’s heart and pure compassion, truly defines Marty Ballard.

George (Marty) Myron Ballard Jr., 65, of Middletown and Daleville passed away Monday February 6th, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.

Marty is a 1975 graduate of Shenandoah High School. He received his B.A. in Business in 1979 from Hanover College, and his Associate Degree of Applied Science in Mortuary Science from the Indiana College of Mortuary Science in 1981. He attended Christian Theological Seminary and received his Master’s Degree in Pastoral Counseling from Olivet Nazarene University in 1998. He is an ordained elder and retired as the lead pastor at the Yorktown Church of the Nazarene in Yorktown, IN after 12 years.

He is Past Master and Secretary of the Middletown Masonic Lodge, Past President, Secretary, and Former Fair Board Co-Chairman of the Middletown Lions Club, an eleven-year member of the Middletown E.M.S. where he served as Training officer and had formally been on staff with the Middletown Church of the Nazarene. He has been co-chairman with his wife Gina of the Middletown Fall Funfest and was part of the Wall That Heals committee.

Marty has been awarded EMT of the year, Lion of the Year, the first Business Associate of the Year by the ABWA and was named a Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Otis Bowen, M.D. in 1979.

Marty enjoyed spending time with his family and lake family at Lake Pleasant in Orland, IN. Dad loved his pontoon and lounged around the lake for hours. He would park the boat on the sandbar and fall asleep to the Beatles and Brad Paisley. He spent much time with his grandkids. He very much enjoyed taking all his grandkids to swim lessons and swim practice. Dad loved all his animals dearly including Kayla’s golden retriever. Marty took his prized Miller Meteor Cadillac Ambulance everywhere; he was a trophy winner at many car shows. He was always good for a smile and a chuckle on an overcast day. He loved his community and put much effort into making other people’s lives better.

Marty is survived by his wife of 43 years, Gina Ballard; son, Ryan Ballard (Tracy); daughter, Kayla Hall (Tim); grandchildren, Kennedy Ballard, Madison Ballard, Thomas Hall, Monroe Ballard, and Roselynn Hall; brother, Jon Ballard (Brenda); brother-in-law, Stephen Smith. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Dorothea Ballard.

Public visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, February 9, 2023 at the Middletown Church of the Nazarene. Funeral services for the family will be by invitation only. Burial will follow at Miller Cemetery in Middletown. Memorial contributions may be given to The Wall That Heals Committee, C/O Ballard and Sons funeral Home, 118 S. 5th St. Middletown, IN 47356 with envelopes available at the church. You may express condolences or share memories of Marty at www.ballardandsons.com .