Melvin E Ballard

June 10, 1922 - July 23, 2018

Melvin E. (Buck) Ballard, 1922 to Milo and Minnie Ballard at his family home in Middleton (now Sherwood), Oregon. We said goodbye and thank you to him on July 23, 2018 at the age of 96 in Tualatin, Oregon. Buck was a hero to many and friend to many more. Those who knew him were blessed with his with, humor and support. He grew up in the Sherwood area and graduated from Sherwood High School. He served in WWII on board a Navy destroyer in the south Pacific. When they released him from active duty he returned to Sherwood. His careers included long haul trucking hauling high explosives over Cabbage Patch Hill; clearing loose rock while hanging from the side of cliffs in the Columbia Gorge train tracks where he met some friendly rattlesnakes; auto mechanic; owner/operator of Ballard's Flying A service station and Valley Auto Parts in Tigard; small engine repair technician; and Mr. Fixit for his kids. If we could break it, he could fix it... He loved fishing, hunting, and BASEBALL, Baseball and Baseball! He was active in many organizations including: Volunteer fireman in Tigard prior to it becoming part of TVFR, a Grand Master in the Masons, and a Port Commander at the Tigard American Legion. He was interred at the Middleton Pioneer Cemetery alongside his wife Joyce who predeceased him. He was also predeceased by his eldest son, Michael. He is survived by his brother Elmer; daughter Diane (Bob); sons Richard (Pam) and Robert (Paula); and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was loved in life and is sorely missed. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2018 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Tigard, OR, 8635 SW Scoffins St.