Charles M. Ballard

Charles Mack “Charlie” Ballard, 88, of Pleasant Hill, was born June 13, 1936, in St. Joseph, Missouri, the son of Harry W. and Charlotte C. (McDonell) Ballard. He departed this life Sunday, May 25, 2025, at his home surrounded by family.

Charlie was a 1954 Raymore High School graduate.

In 1954, he was united in marriage to Janice Davis and to this union three children, Sandra, Skip, and Terri, were born; they later divorced. In 1971, he was united in marriage to Ruth (Campbell) Gaston and to this union one daughter, Nancy, was born; they later divorced. In 1991, he was united in marriage to Venice E. (Rogers) Gerstner, in Pleasant Hill; she preceded him in death on April 19, 2024.

Charlie was first employed as a Meter Reader for Missouri Gas Energy/Spire. Following his retirement at the gas company he farmed full time alongside his dad. Later he began working at Helt’s Turf farm in Pleasant Hill and also began a 17-year career driving a bus for the Pleasant Hill R-III School District. He was of the Methodist faith. He enjoyed traveling, mowing and working in his yard, and taking care of his animals including his horse, Box Car.

Charlie was also preceded in death by his parents, his son, Skip Ballard, and one grandson, Rene Martinez.

He is survived by three daughters, Sandra (and Dennis) Bailey of the home, Terri Lynn Ballard of Bakersfield, California, and Nancy (and Aaron) Miller of Pleasant Hill; his stepdaughter, Marsha (and Stan) Gaston-Krummel of Spring Hill, Kansas; three stepsons, Mike (and Tammy) Perkins of Grain Valley, Rick (and Sondra Garret) Perkins of Lee’s Summit, and Greg (and Sarah) Gerstner of Cleveland, Tennessee; five grandchildren, Aaron Bailey, Nickolas Ballard, Quentin Keavy, Evan Miller, and Brett Miller; and longtime friend, Greg Hayes; other relatives and friends.

The family would like to thank Amanda Cederstrom for her friendship and the compassion she extended to their father for the past 11 years. She was always there for him, and his family will always hold a special place in their heart for her.

Visitation was held Monday, June 2, 2025, at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the funeral home. Pastor Mark Conway officiated. Interment was in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Casket bearers were Rick Perkins, Shawn Helt, E.J. Joose, David Pfefer, Jim Ralston, and Dennis Snyder. Honorary casket bearers were Dennis Bailey, Greg Hayes, and Chris Richardson.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.StanleyEdenburn.com

Arrangements: Stanley-Edenburn Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong St., Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (816) 540-5550