Mel Ballard

Melvin Henriod Ballard, age 91, passed away Saturday, January 27, 2018 surrounded by his family, who loved him dearly. He was born February 5, 1926 in Magna, Utah; the fifth of ten children born to Ross Day Ballard and Ruby Henriod Ballard. Shortly after Mel's birth, his father relocated his family to a farm in Draper and put them to work. Mel attended Draper Elementary and Jordan High School, where he met the love of his life, Barbara Ruth Mumford of Sandy. In 1944, shortly after graduating, Mel joined the U.S. Navy serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Barbara and Mel were married during a furlough, and after the war settled down to raise four children.

He was a hard-working, industrious man who later moved his family to Mesa, Arizona where he established a wholesale food distribution company. Mel brought his family back to Draper in 1964, reuniting with his mother, sisters and brothers. There was a strong bond between his seven brothers and he adored his two sisters. He became Administrator of Public Works for Salt Lake County where he served for 20 years. After retirement Mel founded a home building company with his son and grandson.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, children, Mark Ballard, Don Ballard (Janet), Rebecca Rolf (Scott), and Greg Ballard (Debbie). There are also 11 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren who are grateful for his constant love and support, brother Wayne Ballard (Alice), sister Rachel Kimball (Dale).

Funeral services will be held at the Corner Canyon 1st Ward, 13006 S. Boulter Street in Draper, on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at noon. Friends and family may call on his family at the ward house from 11:00-11:40 a.m. Interment will be at Draper City Cemetery, 12441 South 900 East.