07/20/2026
If you ever had a chance to sit down and talk to my grandad you would have heard some great stories. He was better than the history channel!
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John Neil Ballard Sr.
Sep 15, 1934 — Jul 16, 2026
Medford
Retired First Sergeant John Neil Ballard, Sr. passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026 at the age of 91. He was born on September 15, 1934, in Jefferson, OK and raised in Medford, OK. He was active in baseball, basketball, football, track, and FFA. He graduated as a proud Cardinal in 1954. On November 30, 1954 he married the love of his life, Marilyn (Unbehauen) Ballard. John was a proud veteran of the United States Army from 1954-1976 and served two tours in Vietnam with 1st Calvary from 1968-69 and then with 1st Aviation Brigade 1970-1971. John and Marilyn traveled all around the world, all while raising three children, Cynthia, Ginger and John, Jr.
John was stationed in Japan, New Brittain, Bartlesville, Ft. Bliss, Okinawa, Ft. Cambell, Germany, Ft. Bragg and Ft. Sill. John enjoyed staying active throughout his entire life making many memories with his family and friends staying engaged in many sports such as softball and football.
While on active duty he became skilled in aviation mechanics, helicopter mechanics and he also trained in airborne and artillery. He proudly served with the 101st Airborne, 1st Calvary, 82nd Airborne, 1st Aviation Brigade, 178th Box Car “Anywhere Anytime”, 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion, Sky Calvary Eight and the 1st Team Charlie Company.
He was awarded several medals and high honors for his dedication to duty. Including the Bronze Star Medal & Platoon Sgt. for 1st Calvary Division Airmobile, Horseman’s Unit, which is the First Division to receive the presidential unit citation in Vietnam. In addition, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 device, Good Conduct Medal with Sixth Award, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Coss Unit Citation with Palm, Meritorious Service Medal, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Valorous Unit Award, Three Overseas Service Bars, Bronze Star Medal, Senior Aircraft Crewman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation.
After 22 years in the Army, he retired as an aircraft maintenance supervisor in 1976 and moved back home to Medford, OK. John and Marilyn began farming. He then continued his career path with the Clyde Co-op and then in 1978 began employment with Koch Industries. John later retired for a 2nd time in 1999 as a plant maintenance foreman supervisor.
John was a mentor to many throughout his life. Many knew him as “Big John”. He taught his children and many others how to water ski and the art of baseball and softball. He enjoyed skiing, camping, boating, fishing, racing and bowling.
John and Marilyn retired to Ft. Clark Springs, TX. They both became avid golfers and enjoyed spending time with several golf friends. He accomplished a hole in one in 2016. They returned to Medford in 2017 enjoying kids, grandkids and great grandkids.
John is survived by his daughters, Cynthia Ann Ballard and Ginger Jo Ballard of Oklahoma City, OK; bonus daughter, Amy Elliot of Norman, OK; sister, Paula Jo Lewis of Ohio; grandchildren, Misty (Kugel) Beall of Oklahoma City, OK, Bryan Kugel and Braxie Bixler of Tonkawa, OK, Cassie (Ballard) Trevino and Clint Trevino, Alicia (Hurla)Henricks of Cache, OK; great-grandchildren, Kash Kugel, Mattilyn Bixler, Cynlea Trevino, Camber Trevino and Clinton Trevino, Jr.; special nephew, Alan Brunnet of North Carolina as well as many other nieces, nephews and friends.
John is preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Marilyn Ballard of Medford, OK; son, John Ballard, Jr. of Tonkawa, OK; great-granddaughter, Anna Kugel of Tonkawa, OK; parents, Gordon (Bud) Ballard of Arkansas and Margaret Pauline (Harris) Keegan of Ohio; siblings, Beverly Long, Faye Ballard, Jim Ballard, of Ohio and Deaner Brunnet of North Carolina; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Otto (Bud) and Christine Unbehauen of Medford, OK; grandparents, Roy and Thelma Harris of Medford, OK and his very special aunts and uncles who raised him at a young age, Harold and Gloria Ballard, John and Margaret Dell, Lee and Faye Harris of Medford, OK and Jack and Venita Harris of Ponca City, OK.
Funeral service will be Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Medford with burial to follow at Rosemound Cemetery with military honors. Viewing will be Friday, July 24, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Christian Church of Medford through the funeral home.
