Stephen LeRoy Ballard, D.D.S., 55, passed away Thursday, July 28, 2011 at his home.

Stephen was born March 3, 1956 in Evansville and was a 1974 graduate of Bosse High School, where he excelled in sports and played basketball, baseball and football. Stephen continued his education, first at UE, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He then received his Doctorate from IU School of Dentistry, and practiced dentistry for over 20 years in the Evansville area. Stephen attended Crossroads Christian Church, where he sang in the choir. Stephen enjoyed golfing, fishing, music and sports, but he especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was a devoted son and loving father, brother and uncle. Stephen will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by daughter, Claire Ann Ballard of Evansville, son, Nolan Stephen Ballard of Evansville, mother, Joan (Hancock) Wright of Sebree, KY, father, Forrest LeRoy Ballard, Jr. of Evansville, brothers, Gene H. Ballard of Jacksonville, FL and Benjamin J. Ballard of Evansville, niece, Christie Marshall of Evansville, nephews, Nicholas B. Ballard of St. Louis, MO and Bo P. Ballard of Evansville and great niece and nephews, Noah and Maddie Hamilton and Jett Marshall, all of Evansville.

Friends may call from 2 pm until 8 pm, Sunday, July 31, 2011 at Boone Funeral Home - East Chapel, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville.

Funeral Services will be held at 10 am, Monday, August 1, 2011 at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel with Reverend Todd Bussey officiating and Graveside Services to be held at 1 pm CDT, Monday at Onton Cemetery in Onton, Kentucky with Reverend Marty Robertson officiating.

Memorial Contributions in Stephen's memory may be made to your favorite charity.

July 29, 2011
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Kara Wells, Jorhdan Cook, Henderson, Kentucky

July 29, 2011
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Karen Edwards, Evansville, Indiana

July 30, 2011
I will always remember him fondly. I'm glad we had time at U of E to be friends again. My heartfelt sympathy to all his loved ones.
Kim (Voorhees)Whisler

July 30, 2011
Joan, I am so sorry. The loss of a child at any age is so sad. Steve lives on in many happy memories.
Much love and many prayers to You and Family,
Dean Telligman

July 30, 2011
Our Heartfelt Condolences Brad And Deidre Hunt Henderson County Sportsmens Club

July 30, 2011
Steve you will be missed. I have many fond memories of Steve growing up from Fairlawn & Bosse. Steve and Bill Keeney were Best Friends and I was the girl next door. We jumped Mr Bradshaw fence many times between Cass & Ridgeway. Peace to all he left behind.
Your childhood friend, Tina(Boston)Woolley, St Peters, Missouri

July 30, 2011
"Steve's friendly personality and joyful attitude always brought smiles to our faces. He was a good man and a valued member of our small condominium community here at Royal Vista. We will remember him with affection and will genuinely miss him."
Dave Franklin, Evansville, Indiana
July 31, 2011
With deepest sympathy to all the family. Losing a child is a parent's hardest thing to endure. Prayers for all.
George &Mary Evans, Evansville, Indiana

July 31, 2011
I started going to the office on Washington Ave. when Dr. Hooper was there. When he became ill and retired Steve took over and I was a little leery of letting work on me. Since I remembered him from Bosse High I gave him a shot and we soon became good friends. I, Kandi and the boys want to tell the family that Steve was a stand up guy, a great Dentist and most of all a good friend. He will be truly missed.
Steve and Kandi Thene

July 31, 2011
I remember Steve from Fairlawn to Bosse but, it was our 8 grade graduation when he sung Like A bridge over trouble waters.it gave me chills, it was so good.
Cheryle Grider, EVANSVILLE, Indiana

July 31, 2011
I have lost a true friend, and loved him as a brother. I forgave him for all his shortcomings as I know he forgave me for mine. There isn't anyone who I enjoyed being with more in my life. I've shared many wonderful times and experiences with Steve....times that I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life. I am hurting as I know you are and will miss his humor, his understanding, our talks about intimate details of our lives and his significant place in my life that made my life worthwhile. We often didn't see or talk to each other for many months and even years, but when we got together were somehow bonded as lifelong friends. I can now only think of Steve as on a trip separated by time again waiting for him to make me laugh, share his insights, and let me try to return his friendship. Words cannot express my feelings for having knowing him, but my memories of our friendship and experiences together are the only life treasures worth holding on to.....I pray God has a plan for us to share more and until then will carry my memories with me always..... Uncle JR., Aunt Joan, Gene and Ben.....
Love you all, Kerry Ballard

July 31, 2011
Forrest, Joan, Benny and Gene: We're so sorry to hear of the loss of Steve. So many great memories came flooding back. We pray for all of you and your families!
Tim & Tammy Carrithers, League City, Texas

July 31, 2011
To Steve's family, I am very sorry and sad. Not only was Steve my dentist, and a good one at that, but also we were neighbors when we were little kids. I will always remember how his pleasant manner would put me at ease at each dental appointment. God bless you during this time.
Carol Hayes, Evansville, Indiana

July 31, 2011
Forrest,Joan Gene,Ben, We are so sorry for your loss.Steve was a great guy and a great DDS for me. We are out of town I am so sorry we can't be there in your time of need. Gene,I gave John Maier my cell number give me a call when you can. GodBless, Steve & Lynda Bagbey, evansville, Indiana

August 01, 2011
Wow! I can't believe this news. I remember Steve from our Bosse High days together. We were in many classes together.
To his family, I am so sorry for this loss. Too soon, too soon.....
Michelle Swearingen-Thompson, Kissimmee, Florida

August 01, 2011
Joan, Ben, Gene, Forrest, It is sad to learn of your loss of Steve. He was such fun when I was lived in Evansville as an intern and became a part of the Ballard family. The picnics with grandparents, gatherings at Cass Avenue, weddings, graduations, and all are solid part of my life with Steve a thread of that family fabric. It will not change. Always a great sense of humor, thoughtful of family, different perspectives to share and a lovely person. I am sad and wish healing for friends and family. Later, after healing of the loss, to have fun memories and cute stories to sustain the memory of Steve Ballard.
Love Always, Rebecca Goforth, California

August 01, 2011
It is a Great loss for many as it is for me and my family who knew Steve from Grade school and up. With his wonderful smile and friendly nature, You will be missed my friend. God Bless,
The Decker's ~ Tim Decker, Evansville, Indiana

August 02, 2011
Forrest, Joan, Gene & Ben, I am so sorry for the loss of your son and brother. May you all find peace and comfort in the fond and memories you have of Steve.
With Deepest Sympathy, Dixie (Casey)Turpen, Sellersburg, Indiana

August 03, 2011
To all of Steve's Family, I know you are ALL in shock. We are lifting you up and hope you feel the comfort of God, Family and Friends as you each go thru the long grieving process remember. God is with you every moment of each day. Many fond memories of Steve being our dentist, in small groups and our kids playing together! We love you Molly, Claire and Nolan, Blessings and prayers going up to our Heavenly Father now for you! I wish we could reach across the miles from VA to IN and give each of you a BIG LONG hug!
Craig, Sharon, Cheslea, Sean & Cierra Lewis, Winchester, Virginia

August 09, 2011
Sorry so much to hear of Steve's passing. I was in dental school with him, and have nothing but good memories of his time there - always an upbeat word, a smile, and plenty of humor. I wish comfort for all his family and friends.
Tony Stringfellow, DDS, Sullivan, Indiana

August 10, 2011
Although I did not know him very well, I am in utter shock at what has happened. I was a coach in the McCutchanville organization and I coached his daughter, Claire, for a few games. I have nothing but positive comments about her, she being VERY cooperative and athletic which reflected upon him. He was always so upbeat and positive. The world became a little colder when we lost Dr. Steven Ballard. My resources are limited but if there is anything I can do please do not hesitate to ask. T. Drew Hardin, New Albany, Indiana