John Junior Ballard

John Junior Ballard was born on February 5, 1944 in Okmulgee Ok to the late John and Thelma (Howell) Ballard. John passed away peacefully at home with family on May 17, 2022 at the age of 78.
John spent the last 20 years of his career life in construction doing the thing he loved most which was building log homes. For relaxation, he enjoyed doing leather carvings and woodworking. He carved belts and billfolds for friends and carved pictures for the grandchildren, He also loved making wood toys for the kids. One of the granddaughters loved horses, so for her third birthday he made her a rocking horse, he painted it white and added a purple rope mane and tail. John would do anything for his girls, he knew nothing about horses but his daughters wanted a horse so we moved from town to a small ranch where he not only got one horse but ended up with three horses which lead to him putting in a feed and tack store.
John was preceded in death by his parents John and Thelma (Howell) Ballard and three brothers, Gary, Terry and Jimmy Ballard. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Chris Ballard; two daughters, Sherry Lynn Swayze and partner Alex of Eram, Lori Ann Jones and husband Brian of Checotah; seven grandchildren, Matthew Swayze and wife Sarah, Aaron Swayze and wife Misti, Adam Swayze and partner Megan, Andrew Swayze, Amy Ford and husband Brandon, Alicia OHalloran and husband Charlie, Bailie West and partner Robert; and 16 great-grand children.
No services are planned at this time. Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt Funeral Service. Family and friends may send memories and condolences to the family online, www.schaudtfuneralservice.com