Charles Donald Ballard MD (Don), of Laramie, WY, always made us laugh, shared all he had, and deeply loved his family. Born to Roy Margel and Barbara Ballard in Paris, Texas. Don had so many relatives that when asked whom he was talking with on a street corner in Paris, he replied, “I don’t know but I’m related to him somehow.” As was tradition, he loved all things Texas especially the Dallas Cowboys and University of Texas, where he completed undergraduate studies in 75’. Texas Tech School of Medicine rounded out his education when he received his MD in 81’. His brothers, David and wife Jan, and Robert and wife, Alta are among the many kinfolk he leaves behind. Don’s expertise in Emergency Medicine spanned 35 years, the last ten of which were in the ER at Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie, WY. The camaraderie, culture and dedication of everyone at IMH gave Don a feeling of family, and that feeling was deepened by the honor of being medical director for Laramie Fire Dept. EMS for several years. He admired all the men and women who so selflessly gave to their community.
Hiking the Snowy’s, travel, tennis, gemology, rock hounding, UWYO Football, friend of Bill and Bob, movies, wild socks, science fiction, studying medicine, every Zelda game, competitive sports of all kinds, Don was a fan and a participant in life at large.
Don’s wife, Catie, daughters, Lillian and Justin Fish, Sarah and Eric Becker, Sasha and Ikethia Daniels, and son, Donald Nicholas are devasted by his death. We are grateful for all the help these last six years as Don battled dementia, especially Hospice of Laramie, Ivinson Medical Group (Dr. Javeed), Chuck Bauer, Sandy and Jim, Julie Duncan and Cavin Hall. Without the help of these and many others too numerous to name we never would have been able to keep him at home.
Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, January 12, 2020 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Laramie.
Memorial donations may be made his name to Ivinson Memorial Foundation and/or Hospice of Laramie.
Catie and family, We we sorry for your loss of your husband and father. Don was a good man and helped many people. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dearlings, Catie,Lillian, Sasha, Sarah and Nick, my deepest sympathy on your husband and father’s Crossing. I have never forgotten you all. Peace and Love. Jolene Wolf
I am just hearing today of Donnie's death and am saddened with the news. I went to Paris High School and was a classmate of Donnie's. This was in the late 60s and everyone called him Donnie. He lived out in a big older brick home (mansion if you will) on a hill overlooking little Roxton, Texas. From his house one had to cross the old rickety wooden bridge to enter downtown Roxton. I, my sister Becky, and brothers Philip and Scott went to Roxton for a number of years so I knew of the house where he lived. Becky was a 1970 classmate of Donnie's. After we transferred to Paris High School I had a class with Donnie and we became friends. We were in Mr. Fagan's Health class and Mr. Fagan was sick periodically so Donnie would bring his miniature Chess set and there he taught me how to play Chess. We became good friends, he was very intelligent and of sharp and biting wit! We laughed many times together and afterward we always spoke to one another in the hallways going from class to class. I lost track of Donnie as we went our separate paths in life, but thought of him from time to time, hoping life had been good to him. We had the Cowboys and Longhorns in common as most Texans during that very different time of life. I never saw him once on the UT Austin campus as I attended in 72-73, but with 40,000 students at UT, that was a given! Your grief must be overwhelming and I wish to offer my condolences. I think of Donnie and our times at Paris High with fondness. May God's presence give you comfort and peace. Sincerely, Chris Taylor, PHS Class of 1969
Dear Catie and family: I am so sorry for your loss. Don left a hole in your lives that will not be easy to fill. I hope your memories help of him help sustain you during your grief.