Donald L. Ballard

Donald Lynn Ballard, beloved husband, father, brother, educator, mentor, and faithful servant of God, passed from this life leaving behind a remarkable legacy of devotion, leadership, and love.

Don was born on August 21, 1946, in Lubbock to his mother Jimmie D. Howell Ballard and his father William Preston "W.P." Ballard. He grew up first near Spur, Texas, alongside his older brother, William Robert "Bob" before the family moved to Rochester, Texas, where they farmed cotton, wheat, and sorghum. Years later, the family welcomed Dons' younger brother, James Preston "Jim." Don graduated from Rochester High School in 1964 and continued his education at Cisco Junior College, where he met Alice Clark. She was working at Lemore Pharmacy. He always smiled when telling how Alice would add an extra dip of ice cream to his milkshakes. Their love story began long before they married on December 20, 1966, at First Methodist Church in Cisco, Texas, and their love for one another endured for nearly six decades.

Don and Alice built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, education, and service. Their years at Texas A&M University forever turned their blood maroon, and Don remained a fiercely loyal Aggie throughout his life. While at Texas A&M, their son, Wailand Chad Ballard, was born. Don discovered his passion for teaching during his student teaching assignment in Lampasas, and after graduating in 1969 with a degree in Agricultural Education, he began what would become a 43-year career shaping the lives of Texas students. While teaching in DeLeon, their daughter, Mindy Lynn Ballard completed the family. Don was extremely proud of both Chad and Mindy's chosen careers, and dedication to serving others. He continued to encourage them to challenge themselves.

Throughout his career, Don served schools and communities across Texas with unwavering dedication. He taught Vocational Agriculture and Science in Valley View, De Leon, Ackerly/Klondike, Tahoka, and Rule before moving into school administration. He later served as Principal at Crowell and Superintendent at Welch, Goree, and Paint Creek. He earned his Master's Degree in Education and School Administration from Midwestern State University and obtained his Superintendent Certification from Texas Tech University. Education was never simply a profession for Don — it was his calling. He believed deeply in both vocational and higher education and devoted his life to helping students become the best versions of themselves.

Thousands of students across Texas remember “Mr. Ballard" not only as a teacher and administrator but as a mentor, encourager, and advocate. He served on the Region 14 Educational Service Center Board and helped organize the VoTech Education Center at Rochester. He received numerous honors during his distinguished career, including High School/School Official of the Year (2008-2009) at Paint Creek ISD, the Distinguished Service Award as School Administrator for TASA Region 17, Honorary Lone Star Farmer Degree, Honorary Star Chapter Teacher Area 2 Degree, and recognition as part of the Abilene Reporter-News Farm Family of the Year. He served various communities faithfully through Rotary Club, Lions Club, the Haskell County Junior Livestock Committee, the Haskell County FSA Board, and as Chairman of the Haskell County Appraisal District Board.

Don's life was rooted deeply in agriculture and family. He loved farming, stock shows, livestock judging, and al the lessons learned through hard work and responsibility. His children fondly remember middle-of-the-night trips to the farrowing house, traveling the Texas stock show circuit, and always finding Pringles potato chips stocked in the farm refrigerator. Some of Don's proudest moments included watching Mindy exhibit the Reserve Grand Champion Steer, at the Fort Worth Stock Show and seeing Chad become a member of the Texas A&M National Champion Livestock Judging Team.

Alice often lovingly said, "Don had our kids and his school kids. Sometimes it was hard to tell the difference." She recalled times he would quietly give one of their own show pigs to a student, simply saying, "Alice, they needed this." That generosity captured the very heart of Don.

Don's faith was the cornerstone of his life - the quiet strength that guided every decision, every relationship, and every season he walked through. His Walk to Emmaus further deepened his relationship with Christ. He did not simply speak about faith —he lived it in a way that touched countless lives and left a lasting impact for all who knew him.

He was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church, serving on various committees, including Chairman of the Administrative Church Council for fourteen years.

"Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Don leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured merely by titles or accomplishments, but by lives changed, students inspired, family cherished, and faith faithfully lived. His wisdom, generosity, humor, encouragement, and steadfast love will continue to echo through the many people blessed to have known him.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at Hendrick Hospice Care for the compassionate care provided to both Don and his family during his time there.

Visitation will be held Monday May 25, 2026, from 6:00-7:00 PM at Smith Family Funeral Home, 304 N 2nd Street, Haskell, Texas 79521.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday May 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM at First Methodist Church, 201 North Avenue F Haskell, Texas 79521. Burial will follow at Rochester Cemetery, Rochester, Texas under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes, Haskell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1651 Pine Street, Abilene, Texas 79601, First Methodist Church Haskell, PO Box 525, Haskell, Texas 79521, or charity of choice.