ROBERT A. BALLARD

Robert A. Ballard, 82, of Mount Joy and formerly of Landisville, passed away on Thanksgiving, November 24, 2016, at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, VA. Robert was the loving husband of Karla Marx Ballard, with whom he celebrated 58 years of marriage in October. Born in Springfield, MA, Robert was the son of the late Harold and Florence Allen Ballard. Robert graduated with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Mathematics from Union College, Schenectady, NY, and earned Master's Degrees in both Mathematics and Computer Science from St. Mary's University, San Antonio, TX, and the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Hartford, CT. Robert was a patriot and honorably served almost a decade in the United States Army during the post-Korean Era. Robert retired after a long and successful career as an executive with Armstrong World Industries, Lancaster, PA. Robert was a member of Mary Mother of the Church, Mount Joy, PA, and previously attended St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Lancaster, where he sang baritone in the choir, and St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, Lancaster, where he faithfully served many years as a lector and Special Minister of the Eucharist and on the parish council. Robert was a past president of Toastmasters International, and he received the Knighthood degree as a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also active in the Lancaster Liederkranz, where he sang in the choir and served on the finance committee. Robert cherished his family, his Catholic faith, German culture, dancing, and watching old movies. He also enjoyed many travel adventures with his wife Karla. In addition to his wife, Robert is survived by their four daughters: Ellen Gentry Whitesell, wife of Charles Whitesell II of Newville, PA; Diane Knight, wife of William Knight III of Stafford, VA; Christa Nelson, wife of Christopher Nelson of Chesapeake, VA; and Barbara Taylor, wife of Andrew Taylor of Gap, PA. Robert was also blessed with five grandchildren: Jessica Gentry of Carlisle, PA; Vanessa Knight of Fredericksburg, VA; Alexis Nelson of Chesapeake, VA; as well as Zachary and Emily Taylor of Gap, PA. Robert was predeceased by his brothers Joseph and John Ballard, sister-in-law Marlene Schmidt, brothers-in-law Gunther Wohlsiffer, Karl-Heinz Schmidt and Jack Braun, and son-in-law John Gentry. A Mass of Christian Burial and interment will be held privately. If desired, contributions in Robert's memory may be sent to the American Heart Association (heart.org) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org). To send an online condolence, please visit www.sheetzfuneralhome.com

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ROBERT A. BALLARD

November 24, 2016