Alvin Ballou
Funeral services Al Ballou, 80, of Tonganoxie and previously of Edwardsville, were Dec. 24 at the Edwardsville United Methodist Church, with burial following in the Edwardsville Cemetery.
Mr. Ballou died Thursday Dec. 22, 2011, at his home.
He was born on May 21, 1931, in Delphos, Kan. He served active duty on the front line in the US Army during the Korean War. Upon returning from the war he attended Kansas State University, graduating with a degree in Physical Education, and went on to receive his master’s from Pittsburg State University in Industrial Science.
On May 24, 1959, he married Barbara J. Swinney in Ozawkie, Kan. Al was a high school coach of all sports and teacher for 12 years at Ozawkie, Easton, La Cygne, Junction City and Shawnee Mission Schools. He then drove for Trailways Bus line for 22 years and proudly received his Million Mile Safe Driving Award.
Al was a longtime member of the Edwardsville United Methodist Church. His retirement was spent supporting his grandchildren in their various activities and traveling throughout all 50 states and Canada.
Mr. Ballou was preceded in death by his parents Ken and Ruth Ballou; one sister, Dorothy Curtis; and one nephew, Larry Ballou.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara, of the home; four children, Jan Ballou and husband Jeff Crawford of Columbia, Mo., Lori Ballou and husband Tim Lyngstad of Edwardsville, Dan Ballou and wife Becky of Albuquerque, N.M., and Tim Ballou and wife Rhonda of Edwardsville; a sister, Maxine Apple of Chesapeake, VA.; brother LaVerne Ballou and wife Mary of Delphos, Kan.;10 grandchildren and a great-grandson on the way.
Memorial Contributions can be made to the Edwardsville United Methodist Church in care of Alden-Harrington Funeral Home, 214 Oak St. Bonner Springs, KS 66012.