PLAINS – John Clarence Ballard, age 90, died early Monday morning, May 21, 2012, at the Lone Tree Retirement Center, Meade, Kansas.

He was born October 26, 1921, at rural Plains, Kansas, the son of John Preston and Anna Lena (Shinogle) Ballard. As a young boy he attended East Glendale School and later Plains High School, graduating in 1941. After his schooling he began his farming career. In addition to farming, he was an insurance salesman for the High Plains Journal.

He was a member of the Plains Friends Church, the Gideons, and the Young at Heart. Clarence enjoyed collecting several items including antiques, cast iron toys; fishing; reading; history; and visiting with family and friends.

On August 7, 1947, he married Vera Mae Krause at Plains, Kansas. She precedes him in death on May 20, 1992.

He is survived by:
A son, John Mark Ballard and wife Jenny of Union, Ohio

A daughter, Linda Dianne Helmers of Scott City, Kansas

A daughter-in-law, Gayle Ballard of Victorville, California

A sister, Emma "Rosetta" McFadden of Carson City, Nevada

Eight grandchildren, Kenneth, Timmothy, Melissa, Grant, Holly, Blake, Daniel, and Allison

Five great-grandchildren, Grace, Emily, Samantha, Tabeitha, and Vera

He is preceded in death by his wife; a son Dennis Richard Ballard in July, 2007; a daughter, Starla Ann Ballard; a son-in-law, Greg Helmers; a brother, Woodrow "Woodie" Robert Ballard; and a sister, Irene Elizabeth Jackson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 26, 2012, at the Plains Friends Church, Plains, Kansas, with Pastor Dan Biernacki presiding. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, at Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade, Kansas. Interment will follow in the Plains Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family would welcome memorials to the Gideons International in care of the funeral home.