October 4, 1919 ~ January 20, 2014
Rev. Martin Ballard, 94, Glasgow, died Monday, January 20, 2014, at his residence. A native of Cumberland County, he was a son of the late Frank and Lucy Gibson Ballard. He was a retired farmer and a minister of the Missionary Baptist Church faith. He was called to preach in 1951 and was ordained to the ministry in 1958. He was a member of the Locust Grove Missionary Baptist Church which he helped to re-establish in 1965 and served as Pastor for more than 30 years. He also served as Pastor of Meshack Missionary Baptist Church for more than 30 years.
Survivors include 10 children, Mattie Wilkerson of Horse Cave, Teddy Ballard and wife, Lou Ella, of Glasgow, Johnny Ballard and wife, Georgina, of Horse Cave, Amos Ballard and wife, Meg, of Glasgow, Martha Coomer and husband, Danny, and Zeba Ballard Thomas of Cave City, Leonard Ballard of Glasgow, Brenda Vincent and husband, Greg, of Horse Cave, Joe Ballard and wife, Jennifer, of Glasgow, Luke Ballard and wife, Donna, of Edmonton; two sisters-in-law: Emma Ballard and Mary Ballard; 56 grandchildren; 99 great-grandchildren; 31 great-great grandchildren; special friends: Jennifer and Allison Gattis, Jimmy Smith, and Bill Matney, along with his friend and caregiver, Bobby Close, and his devoted four legged friend, Black.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife: Nina P. Vibbert Ballard; two sons, Frank Henry Ballard and Charles Richard Ballard, twin daughters: Fannie Lee and Freda Lou Ballard; six brothers: Hunter, Lesco, Talbert, Fred, Clarence “Mody”, and Marvin Ballard; two sisters: Mattie Ward and Ollie Dillard.
Funeral services will be held 12 noon Saturday at the Hatcher & Saddler Funeral Home with burial in the Locust Grove Cemetery. Friends may call after 12 noon Thursday at the funeral home. The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to the Locust Grove Missionary Baptist Church; c/o Chris Spradlin, 136 Jared Tyler Road, Glasgow, KY 42141; envelopes are available at the funeral home.