Tommy Ballard

Luginbuel Funeral Home - Vinita - 918-256-5555...... Tommy Jack Ballard, well known Vinita resident, passed away November 15, 2014, at his home. He was born July 17, 1925 in Ruby (Nowata County) to Jack and Delva McMains Ballard. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Bennie in WWII and Dewitt. Tommy graduated from Nowata High School. He received a football scholarship to OU, but was called to service in the Army. He served in the 2nd Division, 38th Infantry of the Army. On his return home he worked in the oil field in Nowata County until June 1949 when he started to work for the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety as a radio dispatcher in Lawton, OK. In September of 1949 he attended the 10th Trooper Academy and was assigned to Sulphur. In June 1951 he was transferred to Claremore District, Vinita Unit 59. He patrolled the highways of Craig County and the Will Rogers Turnpike for 19 years, retiring in September 1970. Following his retirement he became an agent for the Oklahoma Alcohol Beverage Control Board working for 8 years in the Northeast Counties. During that time he bought acreage and raised cattle and a garden. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, a 56 year member of the American Legion, served as President of the Board and Rodeo Chairman in 1969, served on the Red Cross Board, Vinita City Council, Vinita Country Board, and is still a member of the Oklahoma Retired Troopers and the Concerned Oklahomans for the Highway Patrol (COHPS). He married his high school sweetheart Mary Price on December 23, 1945. He is survived by Mary, son Benny and wife Barbara of Claremore, grandson Bradley and wife Carla of Tuttle, OK , granddaughter Chrissie Christian and husband Brandon of Ada, OK, great grandchildren: Tate and Tanner Christian, Dillon and Makenzie Ballard, brothers: Gerald and wife Betty, and Lyle and wife Joan of Hominy, OK, sisters: Billie Stookey of Bartlesville and Lynn Reasor and husband Kevin of Buckeye, AZ. Visitation will be from 6-7 p.m., Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at the Luginbuel Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held at the Vinita First United Methodist Church, Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at the McMains Family Cemetery in Rural Nowata County, Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. Memorials may be sent to the Methodist Church, the Vinita Museum, or charity of their choice. Services are under the direction of Luginbuel Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemories.com

Visitation Details

Tuesday, November 18th, 2014 6:00pm - 7:00pm, Luginbuel Funeral Home Vinita

Service Details

Wednesday, November 19th, 2014 10:30am, First United Methodist Church - Vinita

Interment Details

McMains Cemetery