Gene A. Ballard Sr.

Gene Ballard, 88, of Bucyrus entered his eternal Heavenly home, following his death on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Avita Health System Bucyrus.

Gene was born April 13, 1938, in Mansfield to the late Dr. Alfred E. and Alice (Boyle) Ballard. He graduated from Norwalk High School in 1956 and, in October of that same year, entered the United States Army. Gene was stationed in Louisiana and served as a Military Police officer.

Gene lived an extensive life, residing in several cities across the United States. He had a natural gift for connecting with others and spent much of his career helping people with their automotive needs as a car salesman. While working at a dealership in Georgia, Gene experienced a renewed calling and rekindled his faith through the Holy Spirit. He later returned to Ohio to care for his mother. Back in Ohio, Gene continued his work in automobile sales and became actively involved at the former Mansfield Church of God. There, he formed a close friendship with Brother Bruce Philippi and deepened his relationship with the Lord. He later began working at Moll Motors in Bucyrus, where he met the love of his life, Sue (Ray) Orewiler. The two quickly formed a strong bond and were united in marriage on November 6, 1993.

Gene went on to operate Midtown Motors in Bucyrus for a time before dedicating himself more fully to his ministry. He and Sue were devoted members of the Bucyrus Church of God, where his warm personality and ability to connect with others helped him form lasting friendships, including with Rev. Earnest Surgener and his wife, Betty. Rev. Surgener served as a mentor and inspired Gene to becoming ordained to serve in the Church of God. Gene faithfully served as assistant pastor and secretary/treasurer and proudly assisted with implementing the Church’s food pantry, sharing God’s word with all he encountered. Even after retiring from active ministry in 2017, he continued to witness and minister to others whenever he could.

Gene was known for his spontaneous spirit, often surprising Sue with road trips—some spanning multiple states. He cherished time with family and loved hosting cookouts, holiday gatherings, and weekly Wednesday night dinners that created lasting memories for all who attended. He will certainly be remembered as a patient and devoted husband, content to wait in the car while Sue enjoyed garage sales and shopping. For relaxation, he was often found in front of the TV watching football and boxing.

In addition to Sue, his beloved wife of 32 years, Gene is survived by his children, Gene Jr. (Brandy) Ballard of Forney, TX, and Robert (Marcia) Ballard of Parker, CO; stepchildren, Lori Kanney and Tami Garverick, both of Bucyrus; grandchildren, Tristan Ballard, Randy Ballard, Brianna (Jonathan) Richmond, Alyssa Lawrence, Zach Ballard, Ryder Ballard, Jonah Ramey, Ashley (Jason) Roe, Jess Garverick, Kenzie (Ashton) VanMeter, and Madison (Cody) Stumpf; many great-grandchildren; and his sister, Marilyn (Randy) Wampleman of Daphne, AL, along with several nieces and nephews: Leslie, Pam, Alice, Jason, and Jeffery.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Scott Belasco; brother-in-law Bobby A, Ray; sister-in-law Becky Ray, and his father and mother-in-law, Eugene and Elna Ray.

Family and friends are invited to gather from 11:00 a.m. to 12:55 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus, where a funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Lyle Arnett officiating. Gene will be laid to rest at Oceola Cemetery, where military honors will be conducted by the United States Army Honor Guard and the Bucyrus Veterans Military Funeral Detail.

The family would like to give a special thanks to all home healthcare workers, the caring staff at Unger Park, and the Avita Health System Bucyrus.

If desired, memorial donations can be made payable to the Bucyrus Church of God and these gifts will be accepted through the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on his guestbook page at www.wisefuneral.com.