John Elmer "Hamburger" Ballard

John Elmer “Hamburger” Ballard, 86, of Bardstown, passed away Friday May 21, 2021 at his residence, after a long fulfilling life, surrounded by his family.  He was born April 5, 1935 in Bardstown, graduated from St. Joe Prep, and member of St. Joe Prep Alumni, an Army Reserve Veteran, owner and operator of Hagan’s Dairy Bar and the local Dean’s Milk Distributor, until the year 2000.  He was known as “The Milk Man”, and always delivered with a smile, a laugh, and a joke.  He was a member of the American Legion, and St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he was an avid supporter of St. Joseph and Bethlehem Schools, as well as church.  His hobbies included laughing, local fishing, telling tall tales, and supporting grandchildren sporting events.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon “Red” and Louise Greenwell Ballard; two brothers, Bert Ballard, and Jerry Ballard; and one sister, Edna Mae Johnson.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty Boone Ballard; four sons, John (Debbie) Ballard, Jim (Cindy) Ballard, Joseph B. Ballard, and Jeff (Shawn) Ballard all of Bardstown; eight grandchildren, Tyler, Cole, Connor, Sara, Annie, Jack, and Beatrice Ballard, and Patrick Waskom; two great-grandchildren, Jillian and Luke; two brothers, James Robert (Lois) Ballard of Bardstown, and Joseph Leon (Karlton) Ballard of Palm Harbor, Florida; sister-in-law, Marilyn Ballard (wife of Jerry); and several nieces and nephews.

His Memorial Mass will be 11:00 am Wednesday May 26, 2021 at the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral, with inurnment in St. Joseph Cemetery.  Rev. Terry Bradshaw will officiate.  Visitation will be 4 – 8 pm Tuesday May 25 at Barlow Funeral Home, with a prayer service held Tuesday evening.

Memorial contributions may go to Bethlehem Athletics.

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