Bill 'Butch' Ballard, 70, died Friday, July 28, 2017, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born August 13, 1946, in Pittsburg, to Bill R. and Rosalie J. (Williams) Ballard.

Butch graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1964. He worked for over 50 years for Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 441. Butch enjoyed camping, golfing, and volunteered for the Soup Kitchen. He was a member of the Sunflower Ramblers Camping Club and attended Community Church of the Brethren. Grandchildren were the highlight of Butch's life. He was extremely proud of his four grandchildren and enjoyed attending all their activities.

On December 21, 1969, he married Sharis Moore at Friend, Kansas. They shared almost 48 years of marriage. She survives.

Butch is also survived by: son, Brian and wife Georgia of Inman; siblings, Mick and wife Bonnie, Rick and wife Lana, Jerri Cook and husband Ted, all of Hutchinson, Nancy Bixby and husband David of Salina; grandchildren, Jesse, Drew, Marlee, and Micah Ballard, all of Inman; close friend, who was like a son, Doug Regehr and wife Tabatha of Tonganoxie; close friend, who was like a daughter, Denise Prystawik of Kronberg, Germany; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, David.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 5, 2017, at Community Church of the Brethren, 1600 N. Severance, Hutchinson, with Ed Switzer and Marlo Oltman officiating. Friends may sign the book from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Community Church of the Brethren, Soup Kitchen, or Hospice of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.