In Memory of Ballard James Smith, Sr.

Ballard James Smith, Sr.,  age 80, of Arthur, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2013 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, of Omaha, NE.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 16, 2013, at the Faith Bible Christian Outreach Center of Storm Lake, Iowa with Pastor Loren E. Carlson officiating. A Visitation will be held with the family present from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday December 15, 2013 at the Christensen- Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove. Graveside Services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Monday, December 16, 2013 in the Ida Grove Cemetery, with military rites will be conducted by the McNamara-Moore Post No. 61 of the American Legion both of Ida Grove, Iowa. The Christensen ~ Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online to www.christensenvanhouten.com

Ballard James Smith, Sr. was born on January 1, 1933 in Garrett, Kentucky to Lillie and Minnie (Stanley) Smith.

He attended school at Stone Coal in Kentucky and then enlisted into the United States Army, serving in the Korean War. After the war, Ballard married his sweetheart Paula Sue Pritchard on December 19, 1967. To this union 5 children were born, Ballard Jr., Susan, Valerie, Kimberly, and Brandon

The couple made their home in North Judson, Indiana where Ballard worked in East Chicago for a steel mill for 32 years.  After retiring the couple moved to Arthur, Iowa where he became  interested and involved in the rental business. 

Ballard always put church and God first. He also enjoyed fishing, working on houses, was an honest man of his word, and had a love for animals especially dogs. Ballard will be remembered for his kind and caring nature.  He enjoyed people and was always willing to help others.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Paula Smith of Arthur, IA, his 5 children, Ballard (Judy) Smith, II. of Ida Grove, IA, Susan (Monroe) Page, Big Rock, TN, Valerie (Ken) Simpson of Sac City, IA, Kimberly (Joseph) Menke of Battle Creek, IA, and Brandon Smith (Naomi Krapfl) of Defiance, IA. 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, step brothers, Walter Huff and Arnold Huff of Franklin Ohio, and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

 Ballard was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter,Charlene Smith, a brother, Jay Smith, 4 sisters, Betty Cunnigham, Geneva Turner, Gervie Combs, Dorsie Jorgensen.