Rosewood Heights—Lawrence Richard "Larry" Ballard, 86, passed away Thursday, June 18, 2026 at Christian Hospital Northeast.

Born Nov. 2, 1939 in Medora, he was a son of Edwin and Mary Louise (Logan) Ballard.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, Larry worked 44 years as a rigger for Laclede Steel and later Alton Steel Companies. He was a longtime member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Rosewood Heights, and was an avid NASCAR fan.  Larry definitely had opinions about things and was more than willing to argue about them, even if no one disagreed.

He married Iola Mae Funk at the Batchtown Methodist Church June 24, 1961.  Together they built a strong and wonderful marriage that has lasted 65 years.  They endured tough times and celebrated good times, always at each other's side.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Lisa (David) Betts of Worden and Todd (Laura) Ballard of Moro.  Grandpa was only a phone call away for his grandchildren, Hannah (Luke) Settle, Addie (Cory) Howard, Tanner Betts, Caleb Betts, Autumn (Billy) Carter, and Drey Ballard, and he was "Grandpa O" to his three great grandchildren, Eliza, Emersyn and Lorelei, with a fourth on the way.  He is also survived by two sisters, Sandy Hamilton of Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Martha Alvarado of Pomona, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Carol Ann Ballard and a brother, Ronald Ballard.

Memorial visitation will be Thursday, June 25 at Paynic Home for Funerals from 10 a.m. until services begin at 12 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the St. Paul United Methodist Church.

An online guestbook is available at www.paynicfh.com