The Stanberry Headlight, Thursday, May 3, 1956:
		    W. P. Ballard taken by death:

Final services were held Sunday afternoon in the Stanberry Baptist church 
for William P. Ballard, 85 year old retired Wabash employee, who had been 
a resident of Stanberry for 60 years.

The rites were conducted by the pastor, the Rev. R. T. Ware, and burial was 
in the High Ridge Cemetery, under the direction of the Phillips Mortuary.

Death came last Thursday morning for the veteran Stanberrian.  He was a 
patient in the Harmony Haven rest home at the time of his death, where he 
had been taken several weeks before, after he suffered serious injuries in 
a fall in the home of his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Don Cole, 
with whom he lived.  He had been in failing health for several years.

Born in Iowa: Bill, as he was better known, was born April 6, 1871, in 
Marshall county, IA.  He was the son of the late Charles and Delilah Ballard.
A railroader by occupation, he moved to Stanberry some 60 years ago.  He and 
Miss Anna Bell Riley were married at Alanthus Grove on Mar. 27, 1895.  She 
preceded him in death on Aug. 11, 1950.

To this union were born eight children, four of whom survive; Mrs. Seth 
Heckenlively, Ventura, CA.; Mrs. Lloyd Stafford, Pendleton, OR.; Mrs. Don 
Cole, Stanberry, and Ed Ballard, St. Joseph.  He is also survived by nine 
grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; one brother, E. F. Ballard, 
Sioux City, IA., and other relatives.

Mr. Ballard became a Christian and was baptized in the Stanberry Baptist 
church on Oct. 12, 1901.  He remained a faithful member all his life and 
was active in the church until his age and health prevented him doing so.