William L. Ballard, 78, of Marseilles, passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025 at his home.
Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 27 at Seals-Campbell Funeral Home in Marseilles. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home with Rev. Spence Swanson officiating. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery in Marseilles with military honors.
Bill was born on September 22, 1946, to Homer and Mary (Leslie) Ballard.
He was raised in Clarksville, TN and Pembroke, KY where he trained Standardbred horses with his father. While training horses in the Chicagoland area, he met Mary Ann Swaekauski, and they were married on January 22, 1972. Bill served in the United States Air Force in the Vietnam War, he was a member of the Marseilles VFW Post 4406. He was employed by the Luttrell family as a horse trainer for many years. Bill was a member of Labors Local 393 until his retirement. He had a passion for golfing. He also enjoyed fishing with his wife and the outdoors. He loved horses, dogs, gardening, and taking care of his yard. He frequently traveled with his daughter, Robin, to attend concerts, golf, attend PGA tournaments together, and enjoying nice meals and cocktails at their favorite restaurants.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Robin Ballard of Ottawa, several siblings, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann; his son, Brian; and his parents.
In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial to the Marseilles Area Ambulance Service, Pet Project, or Spay-it-Forward in Seneca.
Seals-Campbell Funeral Home
1009 E. Bluff St., Marseilles, IL 61341
815-795-5151 www.sealscampbell.co