Leon Ballard

Leon Ballard of Claremore, passed away on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at St. John Medical Center at the age of 65.

Born February 18, 1950 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma to Dewitt and Eva Mae Ballard, Leon was reared and educated in his birth community. Following his high school graduation, he began working with heavy equipment in the construction business. On July 13, 1984 he married Karen Gail Allman in a Fort Smith, Arkansas ceremony. The couple made their home in many different communities including Tahlequah, California, Catoosa and Claremore. When Leon was not hard at work, he enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family, especially those grandkids. He also worked on cars and tractors and was a huge NASCAR fan. A quiet man, Leon was called "Big Chief" by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife; Karen Ballard of their home in Claremore; his children LeAnn Foster and son-in-law Mike Weaver also of Claremore, Bob Ballard and Nina Porro of Phoenix, Arizona, Jennifer Pate of Wagoner, James Ballard and wife Rhonda of Walkersville, Maryland and Bobbi Ivey of Wagoner; his grandchildren Danielle, Zachary, Kassidy, Kacie, Alex, Hannah, Hayden, Holden, Jacob, Amber and Trey; his brother Frank Ballard and sisters Ida Kociuba and Ellen Patterson. Leon was preceded in death by his parents, son Bill Overall and siblings Ira Chuculate, Kale Ballard, Jimmy Ballard, Tony Ballard, Bobby Ballard, Andy Ballard and Eunice Ballard.

Pallbearers for Leon's service will be Bob Ballard, James Ballard, Mike Weaver, Gary Ballard, Terry Patterson and Shawn Farmer.