Ben Whitney Ballard's Obituary
Ben Whitney Ballard, 81, went into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, May 5, 2019. Services will be Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Claude with Rev. Richard Gravely and Rev. Ben Moore, officiating. Visitation will be at the Robertson Funeral Directors’ Claude Chapel in Claude on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Burial will be in the Claude Cemetery immediately following the funeral service.
Ben was born on November 8, 1937 to Reginald and Edith Keeter Ballard. He graduated from Claude High School and attended Wayland Baptist University before entering the US Army. In August 1962, he married Betty Sue Newman in Mobeetie, Texas and immediately became a professional volunteer in the City of Claude and Armstrong County. He was a City Council member for many, many years and served as Mayor of the city of Claude. He served as a member of the Armstrong County medical board since its inception. Ben served as a driver for the ambulance service and was a faithful member of the Volunteer Fire Department while also serving as Armstrong County Fire Marshall for more than 30 years. He was a member of the Claude Lions Club and was voted Man of the Year. He was a fifty plus year member of the Masonic Lodge #719. Ben held many offices and one year served as Master. Professionally, he owned the Texaco Wholesale and Retail Distributorship and later retired from West Texas Gas.
Ben was a deacon at the First Baptist Church of Claude and served as Sunday school director for more than 40 years. He was a member his entire life starting with the cradle roll at just six weeks of age. Ben cared deeply for other people and wanted everyone to know the love of Jesus. A highlight of his life was a mission trip to Brazil which totally changed his life.
Ben and Sue were blessed by the birth of Belinda Sue in 1964 and six years later welcomed Whitney Bena to their family.
Ben was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and his loving wife of 45 years, Sue. He is survived by daughters Belinda Perez and husband Harvey of Claude, Texas and Whitney Saul and husband Kirk of Quitaque, Texas. One brother, John Ballard and wife Rita of Claude, Texas. Three brothers-in-law, Kenneth Newman and wife Irma, Don Newman and wife Georgia Newman, Jim Newman and wife Jeanie; and many nieces and nephews.
Also surviving Ben are his grandchildren Johnathan Aduddell and wife Laura of Grand Forks, North Dakota; Janey Burnette and husband Leon of Bossier City, Louisiana; Shadden Lanier and wife Alex of Panhandle, Texas; Samantha Henderson and husband Matthew of Panhandle, Texas; Morgan Moore and husband Ben of Ira, Texas; Shelby Saul and fiancé’ Isaac Lewis of Quitaque, Texas; Ballard Saul of Amarillo, Texas; and Daxton Saul of Quitaque, Texas.
Ben and Sue were survived by 12 great-grandchildren. Benjamin, Brant, and Brayden Aduddell; Lillie and Austin Burnette; Paisley and Gatlin Lanier; Jaxxen, Axel, and Izzy Henderson; Addilyn and Brynlee Moore; and Parker Lewis.
The family suggests memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Claude, Missions Fund.
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