Houston, TX –– Ballard Delmar Blackburn, age 75, passed away on March 6, 2019. He died unexpectedly from heart surgery complications at the Memorial Heart & Vascular Institute in Houston, Texas. He was Born on June 22, 1943 in Wonder, Kentucky to Delmar and Ann Blackburn.
Ballard married Debra (Erdman) in Crookston, MN on December 7th, 1968.
Ballard Delmar Blackburn is survived by his Children – Steve and Tonya Blackburn of Grand Forks, ND, Scott and Nikki Blackburn of Spring, TX and Kevin and Shelly Blackburn of Cary, NC; Grandchildren -Samantha, Josh, Skylar, Madelyn, Guen, Chase, and Crystal; Great-Grandchildren – Paisley, Mikaila and Jameson.
Ballard wanted to serve his Country. He enlisted himself in the Air Force in 1965. During his time in the Air Force, he was stationed in Taiwan. While in Taiwan he was assigned many Temporary Duty Yonder (TDY) that sent him to Philippines, Guam and three times to Vietnam. He valued the opportunity to serve his Country.
What we remember the most about Ballard…his favorite sports were Fishing, Hunting and Golf. He loved seeing his three Boys hit the rink and play Hockey in MN (The State of Hockey). Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren were a part of every conversation you would have with Ballard, and they truly gave him joy. But where would you find Ballard every day? You would undoubtedly see him playing World of Warcraft right beside his favorite quest teammate, his wife, Deb. Many times he would joke that he was the oldest gamer in WOW. Ballard was so proud of his Country and proud to be a Veteran of the United States Air Force.
A Memorial Service with Military Burial Honors will be held at the Houston National Cemetery on Monday, March 11, at 9:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Fisher House Foundation. This Foundation is an international not-for-profit organization established to improve the quality of life for members of the military, retirees, Veterans and their families.
