Roger Coy Ballard, 82, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away on March 20, 2023 in Mount Vernon, Illinois.
He was born December 21, 1940 in Jefferson County, Illinois to Melvin Earl and Vivian Irene (Wilson) Ballard. Roger married Darlene Kay (Wells) Ballard on March 26, 1959 in Bonnie, Illinois.
In addition to his beloved wife of nearly sixty-four years, Roger is survived by his children, Lee Ann West and husband, Dwight of Mount Vernon, Illinois, Faron Brent Ballard and wife, Crystal of Mount Vernon, Illinois, Jodi Rae Ballard of Mount Vernon, Illinois; grandchildren, Kyle Coy West and wife, Kim, Shelbi Rae Jones and husband, Morgan, Grayson Morgan Ballard, Ethan Rae Evans and wife, Kaylee, and Gable Lane Evans and wife, Kaci; two great-granddaughters Kennidee Rae West and Kenndall Jade West; niece, Tanya Keene and husband, Kyle of Mount Vernon; aunt Jessie “Pug” Wilson, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Roger is preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Ronnie Ballard; maternal grandparents, Joe and Vesta Wilson; paternal grandparents Earl and Maude Ballard; niece Keyma Floyd; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Roger worked at CNEI Railroad in Granite City, Illinois, General Radiator in Mount Vernon, Inland Steel in McLeansboro, Sa-Nat Construction in Mount Vernon as a Millwright with the Carpenters Union. Roger loved everything about his cars, but gave them up for his children to be able to show horses, which he did for over 50 years. He did everything in his life for his children and grandchildren. He was of the Baptist faith and loved NASCAR racing, especially Dale Earnhardt. Roger was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and will be greatly missed. His children and grandchildren are so thankful to call him “Dad” and “Grandpa”. He loved watching his grandchildren in all their sporting events and loved cheering on the Mount Vernon Rams and the Nashville Hornets.
A Visitation will be held Friday, March 24, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 11:00 am at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois with Mr. Roger Strange officiating. Interment will follow at South Hickory Hill Cemetery in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Roger’s honor to the St. Louis Transitional Hope House.Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.