Leslie Brown Ballard, 89, of Thatcher, passed away in his home Feb. 27, 2019. Leslie was born May 29, 1929, in Prairie Hill, Texas to Lindsey Clyde Ballard and Lucille Edith Brown Ballard. Leslie’s siblings are L.C., Fred, James, and Jack.
Leslie graduated High School in 1948. Shortly after graduation, he served his country as a fireman in the Navy from June 1948 to May 1952. In March of 1957, Leslie went to work for Phelps Dodge in the Morenci mine. In 1985, he retired from performing research in the mining-geology department.
Leslie was a lifetime member of the American Legion, Post 32. He was Commander of Post 32 from 2000 to 2001 and then again from 2002 to 2003. Leslie served on the Gila Valley Honor Guard for 25 years.
Leslie married the love of his life, Barbara Jean, on July 12, 1975, in Morenci. They have six children; Clyde Daniel, Rebecca Ann, David Wayne, Judith Rae, Calvin Wade Sanders, and Brian Stacy Sanders.
Leslie was a private pilot who loved the outdoors. Fishing and hunting were one of his favorite things to do. Along with being a private pilot, Leslie was an avid R.C. pilot, an amazing dancer, and the ultimate mechanic who could fix anything and everything.
Leslie was a very caring person. He generously and eagerly gave of himself and his time. He was blessed with a great sense of humor and was one of the best storytellers around. If there were three words that summed up Leslie’s life, it would be to “always enjoy life!”
Leslie is survived by his loving wife Barbara; his children, Clyde Daniel, Rebecca Ann, David Wayne, Judith Rae, Calvin Wade Sanders, and Brian Stacy Sanders; his brother, James Ballard; 17 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lindsey Clyde Ballard and Lucille Edith Brown Ballard; his brothers, L.C., Fred, and Jack Ballard.
Services for Leslie will be held March 9, at McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel, beginning with visitation at 9 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 10 a.m. Interment will be in the Safford Cemetery following the services.
