Lloyd "Don" Ballard, 85 of Turlock, California, passed away on September 6, 2012 due to a long illness. Don was born on January 25, 1927 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In January of 1945, he left school during his senior year to serve his country in World War II as a Navy Seaman First Class.  After his service ended Don returned to Turlock High School and graduated with the class of 1947.

Don married Shirley Ann Wieder, they were married for 62 wonderful years.

Don worked for Turlock Irrigation District for 35 years as a lineman and later in the service department until his retirement in 1989.  He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying activities such as camping, bow hunting and fishing. Some of his other hobbies included being a part of Turlock Motorcycle Club, golfing and traveling with his wife Shirley on their beloved cruises. Don was a very loving husband, father and grandfather with a great sense of humor and fun-loving spirit.

Don was preceded in death by his Mother, Lila Pierce, Step-Father Henry Pierce, Grandmother Eula Bailey and Grandfather, Henry Bailey. He is survived by his wife Shirley, son, Dan Ballard (Rowena), daughter, Deborah Mays (Rick) and grandchildren Aaron Ballard (Sarah), Ashlee Ballard, Jeremy Ballard, Amber Keup (Max), Michelle Van Fleet (Mike), Michael Mays (Angela) as well as 9 great grandchildren.

Graveside funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, September 12 at Turlock Memorial Park, 575 N. Soderquist Rd. with interment to follow.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of Emanuel.