ROBERT BALLARD

Funeral with military honors for Robert Gaines Ballard of Waynesville, Mo., was held June 19 at Waynesville Memorial Chapel. Chaplain Damon Onellion officiated.

Ballard, 82, died Monday, June 12, 2000, at Harry S Truman Veterans Hospital in Columbia, Mo.

He was born May 7, 1918, in Columbia, son of Curtis and Bertha Walther Ballard. He and Anna Elisabeth Doebus were married July 7, 1961, in Giessen, Germany.

Ballard spent his childhood and adolescence in Cape Girardeau, Mo., and joined the Missouri National Guard here.

When World War II began he was drafted into the U.S. Army, and served 27 years. He also served in Korea and Vietnam. He received many medals and commendations, including the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, African and European Meritorious Service Medal, American Defense Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.

He was a member of Crocker VFW Post 4956 and Harry Herron DAV Post 49.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Juergen Vollmuth of Dixon, Mo.; a daughter, Nikki Roberts of Richland, Mo.; a sister, Mary Bowers of Sedona, Ariz.; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister.