Charles “Chuck” Robert Ballard, of Chesterfield, MO, passed away peacefully of natural causes on the  morning of December 22, 2022, at the age of 83. Chuck was born to the late to Robert and Bessie, nee  Saul, Ballard in East St. Louis, IL on January 16, 1939.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carole Kaye Ballard, his daughter Maureen Ballard, parents, and  sisters Catherine, Mary, and Margaret.

Chuck is survived by children, Gigi (Roger) Cox of Swansea, IL, Tony (Judy) Ballard of Eureka, MO, Lou  (Sue) Ballard of O’Fallon, MO, Vincent Ballard of Fenton, MO, and Scott Ballard (Theresa Andrews) of  Clayton, MO, as well as his stepdaughters Heather (Nicholas Holekamp) Raznick and Andrea (Mike)  Ward and his grandchildren Mike and Doug (Sara) Cox, Josh (Monica) Ekstrom, Daniel, Christopher  “Cheech” and Anna Ballard, Vincent Jr., Beth and Bobby Ballard, Jessica (Preston) Prevost, and Naomi  and Goldie Raznick, Mia and Mason Ward, as well as his great grandchildren Levi, Cooper and Baker Cox,  Arya and Kira Ballard and Tatum and Emmett Prevost, as well as beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and  friends.

A humanist at his core he embraced everyone he met with an open heart and boisterous humor. Some  of his greatest joy came from his six children and the memories they created while enjoying trips as a  family camping, fishing, and playing games together and nothing could surpass the love for his  grandchildren and great-grandchildren and the pleasure he took in spending holidays, birthdays, and  other events together as a family.

While he spent his entire adult life legally blind, he was never slowed by this. Chuck retired as Director  of Procurement for SSM Healthcare and went on to work in sales for St. Louis Medical for many years  following.

Born in 1939 at the end of the great depression, and just prior to America entering World War II, one  can imagine the changes that he saw in his long and full life, and he embraced it all, as at home with a  computer as an AM radio.

Chuck enjoyed traveling with his cherished wife, Carole, and loved every trip they shared together,  especially the cruises, be it Alaska, Mexico or Caribbean. Chuck loved sports, including hockey and  football, but first and foremost was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals whose players, statistics and  schedule he could discuss with authority and at great length! He enjoyed dining out, fine wine and good  scotch, but nothing could beat a cold Bud Light at a bar-b-que. Of all his passions nothing could surpass  a poker game! Numerous evenings were spent playing cards with family and friends who will forever be  in awe of his ability to know the hand of everyone at the table from memory, and while he always  claimed to be “about even” we all knew he was a winner.

While we mourn his loss everyone who was touched by him is blessed for having had him, his love, hugs  and kisses in our lives.

A private memorial service will be held and those interested in attending can reach out to any family  member for details. Memorial contributions may be made to Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital in  St. Louis Missouri.