Ernest E. Ballard

Ernest E. Ballard, 98, of East Moline, Illinois, died Monday, September 26, 2016, in Rosewood Care Center, Moline, Illinois.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 19, 2016, at Trimble Funeral Home at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline, with The Reverend Michael Schwartz officiating. Visitation is one hour before the service. Cremation has taken place at Trimble Crematory, and graveside services and burial will be at Rock Island National Cemetery, where Moline American Legion Post #246 will present military honors. Memorials may be made to the Diabetes Association.

Ernest Edward Ballard was born May 7, 1918, in Springfield, Illinois, to Ernest M. and Clementine Gerhardt Ballard. He served in the US Army from 1941 to 1946, drafted as a private and discharged as a major. He served in the 5th Army, and received the bronze star medal. He married Norma L. Meyer on February 15, 1947, in Alton, Illinois. He was employed in retail management by Sears Roebuck and Company for 41 years, retiring as Sears Group Manager for the Quad City Area in 1980. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Quad City Development Group, active in the Chamber of Commerce, and a member of First Congregational Church, Moline, GYRO Club of Davenport, Military Officers Club of Naples, Florida, and National Carousel Association. He enjoyed reading, residential housing architecture, and social events. He loved interacting with people.

Ernie is survived by his wife of 69 years, Norma; three children and spouses, Bruce and Linda Ballard of Manhattan Beach, California, Gregory Ballard and Rebecca Kakavas of Rock Island, Illinois, and Constance and Bradford Smith of Iowa City, Iowa; five grandchildren and spouses, Christina and Carl Gilchrist, Jacob and Kathryn Smith, Shawn and Stormy Ballard, Cody and Courtney Smith, and Colton and Haili Smith; and six great-grandchildren.

Ernie's family invites friends to share stories and condolences at www.TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.