In Loving Memory of Mark Ballard

Mark Evan Ballard was born on March 29, 1944, to parents, JB and Deanne Evans Ballard. Mark went to his Heavenly eternal home on June 1, 2026, at the age of 82 years.

Mark Ballard lived life the way he wanted to—full of adventure, hard work, good stories, and an unwavering love for his wife Valerie and his family.

A proud cattle rancher, Mark found some of his greatest joy caring for his beloved cattle, especially his cherished cow, Velvet, and his bull, Bully. He also had a special place in his heart for his horses, Bay Mare and Bugge. Whether he was tending livestock, riding through the pasture, or working on the ranch, he was happiest with dirt on his boots and open country around him.

Professionally, Mark was a proud graduate of the University of Texas.  After graduation, he became a chemist developing multiple products and formulas for use in various manufacturing industries, including the oil field.  He brought intelligence, dedication, and a strong work ethic to his career. Outside of work, he was an avid hunter and an accomplished marksman, equally skilled with pistols, rifles, and shotguns.

Mark was a man of simple pleasures and larger-than-life interests. He could often be found sitting on the porch, enjoying coffee, whiskey, Swisher Sweets, and catching up on the latest porch gossip. He appreciated the comforts of life: fuzzy blankets, moccasins, his trusty Keurig, Tabasco sauce, Norwegian chocolate, and chocolate-covered almonds.

He loved fast antique Mopar cars, powerful Hemis, tractors, his burnt orange four-wheeler, and anything that combined horsepower with adventure. One of his favorite pastimes was sitting on the porch having conversations about NASCAR races, Texas history, Audie Murphy, aliens, Gutfield, and classic automobiles.  His Australian bush hat and Panama hat became as recognizable as his warm smile and quick wit.

A true traveler, Mark explored much of the world, visiting countries and places including South Africa, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, England, Germany, France, Switzerland, Mexico, Denmark, Canada, and Italy. Each journey added another story to the collection he loved sharing with friends and family.

Mark was deeply connected to his community and took great pride in the Wheelock Independence Day Parade. One of his proudest honors was serving as the 2025 Grand Marshal, a reflection of the respect and admiration he earned throughout his life.

Known affectionately throughout "Booger County," Mark was a colorful character whose presence could light up a gathering. He never met a stranger, always had a story to tell, and had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome.

Above all else, Mark's greatest love was his wife Valerie and his family. His favorite holiday was Christmas.  He would wake up the house blasting the Elvis Christmas album.  And he was a crafty "Forty-Two" player, always winning at the family table no matter his partner, constantly adding a new twist to his play.   Every accomplishment, every adventure, and every mile traveled around the world was secondary to the people he loved. His family was his pride, his joy, and the center of his life.

Though his porch now sits quieter and his chair stands empty, the memories he created will live on in every shared story, every family gathering, every rumble of a classic Mopar engine, and every sunset viewed from a front porch.
Mark Ballard will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

"A life well lived leaves tracks that time can never erase."

Mark is survived by his loving wife of almost 58 years, Valerie Ballard of Wheelock, Texas, his children: Matthew Ballard and wife Kristina of Canton, Texas, John Ballard and wife Karla of College Station, Texas, Bret Ballard and wife Stevie of Franklin, Texas.  He also leaves behind to cherish his memory, his 4 grandchildren, Morgan, Kristen, Trinity and Mason and last but certainly not least, his dog buddy, Sam Ballard.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

If you would like to send a donation in memory of Mark, donations may be made to the Friends of the Wheelock School House P.O. Box 26 Wheelock, Texas 77882.