Joseph Leo Ballard, age 92 of Holy Cross, passed on from this life at Baptist Health Louisville on August 25, 2021. Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Lillie and Raymond Ballard, his baby son, Johnny Ray and his precious granddaughter Megan; three sisters, Gertrude Thompson, Iola Osborne and Pauline Yates Lyle; six brothers, Joseph, Philip, Gus, Bro. Joseph "Earl" C.S.C., James and Bernard Ballard.

Leo is survived by his loving family, wife Betty of 68 years, their children, sons, David (Diane), Gary (Mary), Roger (Donna) of Bardstown, and daughters Lynne Robey (Mark), Sheila Wheatley (Keith) of Loretto, and Michelle Ducker of Fern Creek. He is also survived by 23 grandchildren and 43 great grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Bertille Mattingly and Helen Cecil, and a host of family and friends.

Leo enjoyed basketball as a teenager and graduated from Holy Cross High School. He served as Sergeant in the Army and saw active duty in the Korean War. He often told the story of his "cruise" to Korea. He was proud of his service to his country.

Leo and his family made their home on a small farm in Holy Cross. He loved playing the guitar and singing with friends and family. He loved Westerns and watched all the Bonanza and Gunsmoke reruns. He was a big UK fan. He had many stories that he loved to share. Leo was always ready with a joke and a smile. Leo retired from the maintenance department of Heaven Hill Distillery after many years, but he always said he worked harder for Betty at home after his retirement. Leo dearly loved his children, but his greatest joy was being Papaw to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was protective and loving and played with them like a kid util the very end of his life. Leo's family will truly miss his advice, and his loving ways that have guided them through life's journey. He was so proud of their accomplishments.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am Monday, September 6, 2021, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 59 New Haven Road, Loretto. Rev. Richard Goodin will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery where military rites will be conducted by the Marion County Veterans Honor Guard.

Visitation is 3-8 pm Sunday, September 5 ^th , at Mattingly Funeral Home, 195 Holy Cross Road, Loretto, with a prayer service at 7 pm by Rev. Deacon Joseph R. Dant. The family request that everyone wear face coverings inside the funeral home. The services will be livestreamed onto the Mattingly Funeral Home facebook page for those who cannot attend.

His Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Leo's family requests that condolences be sent to "Donate to 2021 Family Fun Day and Walk" fundraise.dsack.org for Down Syndrome. Checks can be written to DSACK.