Dwayne Ballard

BRISTOL, Wis. -- Dwayne Leo Ballard, 72, of Bristol passed away Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2010, at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, Ill.

He was born Feb. 9, 1938, in Pope County, Ark., son of the late Leonard and Margie Eakin Ballard.

After moving to Missouri, Dwayne was raised on the family farm near Bell City and was a 1956 graduate of Bell City High School where he had remained active in the Bell City Alumni Association. Before moving to Bristol 25 years ago he had also lived in Des Plaines, Ill., and worked as a truck driver. Later he owned and operated Ballard Trucking and Dwayne's Small Engine Repair of Bristol.

He was an avid snowmobiler and a member of Wauconda Snowmobile Club, and charter member of Southeast Wisconsin Antique and Collectibles Society. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle and was a collector of John Deere tractors.

He is survived by two daughters, Rhonda Guin of Pasadena, Calif., Penny Nelson of Lake in the Hills, Ill.; four grandchildren, Shauna, Ashley, Amber and Taylor, all of Lake in the Hills; a brother, Ron (Darlene) Ballard; a sister, Mary Jane Woodard, all of Sikeston, Mo.; a stepson, Tony Kotelman of Rosemont, Ill.; and a good friend, John Grandfield of Antioch, Ill.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his younger brother, Everett.

A memorial service was held in Wisconsin with arrangements by Strang Funeral Home of Antioch. A memorial service will also be held locally at a later date.