Melvin "Mel" L. Ballard, 87, of Rock Island, passed away Thursday, February 23, 2023, three weeks after his loving wife, Lillian had passed away.

A Live-streamed funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island, the service can be viewed at www.wheelanpresssly.com/live-stream for those who cannot attend in person.  Visitation will be one hour prior to service.  Burial at Rock Island Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Mel was born on May 17, 1935 in Seymour, IA, the son of Woodrow and Ruth (Workman) Ballard.  He worked as a car salesman at Sexton Ford prior to his retirement.  Mel enjoyed playing the guitar, writing music, photography, and woodworking.  He loved the time spent with his family and friends.

Mel is survived by his daughters, Jewell (Jerry) Joyce, York, Pennsylvania, Susan (Dennis) Hill, Davenport, Kristine (Steve) Novak, Rock Island, Shelley Proudfit, Bettendorf; brother, Larry (Sue) Ballard; brother-in-law, Tony (Judy) Rosa-Gastaldo, Rock Island; grandchildren, Todd (Lisa) Shurtz, Delaware, Ohio, Eric (Anne) Shurtz, Moline, Meagan (Alan) Sweet, Davenport, Jack Hill, Moline, and Jessica Eager, York, Pennsylvania; 7 great grandchildren; and 3 great great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian; daughter, Pam Hanssen; and son-in-law, Rick Shurtz.