Kenneth Howard Ballard 78, of Port Acres was born on April 3, 1931 to Lee Cruce Ballard and Mary May Louvier in Port Arthur, Texas. He went to be with his Lord on February 9, 2010.   After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1950, he began working for Texaco Island Barrel House in February of 1951, and in 1968 he transferred to #4 CRU unit at the main plant where he retired on October 1, 1986. On June 8, 1951, he married his high school sweetheart, Lily Mae Gallier. In 1952 he was drafted and served his country in the Army during the Korean Conflict. When he returned home, his job at The Texas Company was waiting for him.   He raised five daughters, fished and camped out with Lily Mae and his family. He could grow the best vegetables in that old black gumbo. He was the best daddy God could have ever given to us.   Mr. Ballard was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved brother, Marshall and brother-in-law, Jack Bertrand; sister-in-law, Bobbie Gary and beloved in-laws, Maxie and Lillian Gallier.   He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lily Mae Gallier Ballard of Port Acres; daughters, Cathy Ballard of Port Neches; Debra Teague and her husband Kim of LaBelle; Bonnie Gillard and her husband Jim of Port Acres; Allison Hearne and her husband Jeffrey of Diboll; Laura Eakes and her husband Roger of Port Neches; grandchildren Kenneth “Casey” Gillard and his wife Lydia of Nederland; Kelley Gillard and his wife Jennifer of Nederland; Kyle and Blake Teague of LaBelle; Joshua and Sarah Hearne of Diboll; Colin Eakes of Port Neches; great grandchildren, Katie and Karlee Gillard; Bacia and Brenden Janeaux and Addison Gillard; sisters June Bertrand, Cookie Moreau and Jackie Fair. Also surviving are, brother-in-laws, Gene Gallier, Paul Moreau and Calvin Gary and sister-in-law, Sue Gallier.  

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Beaumont Chapter, 700 North Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701.