David Edward Ballard
October 7, 1961 - July 3, 2016

"God Bless this family now and always! May David rest in peace. Janis & Kerry, friends of Sylvia"

"David, my son. My broken heart will never mend. I miss you so much. Love, Mom"

"May Peace and love surround all of you at this sad and difficult time. David made a difference in so many lives, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him."

"I only met David within the last year or so, but was privileged to work closely with him during that time. We both appeared in the Belfry's "Red Velvet Cake War", and were working together on NCAC's Shakespeare in the Park."

"Interesting man--always enjoyed our conversations--my thoughts and prayers go to his family--may his name become a blessing"

"David was my first nephew and the smallest little baby I had ever seen. To Sylvia, Jack, Jessie and his wife my deepest, deepest sympathies. He definitely left us too soon. Judi Ballard Hill "

"We extend our deepest condolences to the entire Ballard family. David was a wonderful and spirited friend, who gave generously of his time, talent and effort to St. Peter's United Church of Christ in South Bend. We will deeply miss his humor, his grace, and his smile. God bless, Jeff and Cyndee Bergstrand"

"Sylvia - Tom and I are so sad for the loss of your son. We did not know him personally, but he seemed like a wonderful young man. How very talented and loved by all! We lost our daughter Lisa 3 years ago and we know what you are going through. Lisa was 47. Unfortunately, the pain never goes away. We just try to keep busy and stay involved to help others, which helps to keep our mind busy. Truly I believe we will be together again someday. In the meantime, we trust in God. If you ever want to talk, our number is 513-422-9176. Love and Hugs, Judy and Tom Somerfield"

"Such a tragic loss. I met David in junior high school. He always had a smile on his face whenever he saw you. I hadn't seen David since high school, but when he saw me at Tedd Tucker's memorial service, he gave me a hug. We talked about days gone by. Later he wrote about his experience regarding Tedd's death and the service. When I read his comments about me, it brought tears to my eyes. This world has lost a kind, compassionate, talented soul. To David's family, my sympathies are with you in your grief. May the Lord send you comfort for your loss. God bless you all."

"My condolences to David's family & friends. It has been many years since I had seen David, but I so enjoyed following his exploits and messages on social media. I think it is fair to say, I (we) were better for knowing him. Eternal Rest in Peace my friend."

"I am so very sorry to hear of David's passing. My husband and daughter were in several shows with him and I knew him from the Carmel Theatre Company Board. He was a great person and we are all thankful that our paths crossed. His family is in our prayers."

"I'm so very sorry. David was a childhood friend , from Lincoln elementary thru Middletown high. I was so delighted to receive an email from him several years ago and to hear he was well, happy and still writing. I loved the stories he sent me and enjoyed reading and following his Facebook updates on his acting and life. I can't help but remember David with a smile and a warm feeling of friendship . "

"Condolences and prayers to family and friends. Dave was a caring and good person that will be missed."

"Jeanne, please accept my sincere condolences for your recent loss. I am sending prayers for comfort and peace to you and your family during this sad time. Carla Ricketts Moore (Classmate, PHS)"

"Ed and I were so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. When he moved from South Bend, we lost a good friend and the Michiana Writer's Workshop lost a valuable member. We will always remember his talent for surprise endings and, besides his love for his family, his love of labs. Condolences to his family."

"As sick and heartbroken as I am about losing yet another of my childhood and school friends, it can't approximate the grief that the family feels about losing someone so unexpectedly. David was as humble as he was intelligent among many of the fine qualities he had even as young man, some of which I tried, mostly vainly, to emulate. I lack the vocabulary to express a proper condolence to his family."

"to my big brother, I am writing this, looking at your picture, and wondering to myself, why so young, when only your best was yet to come!! As we both went different directions after high school, you were there when I arrived at Miami from St Louis U, years later you were there in Columbus, as we had two great years together, and I loved hearing your court room stories from Iaasic Brandt. Years later we both ended up in Charlotte, this time I was waiting on you, and as the many years went on, we only live with the memories, I imagine you with Jake the dog by your side now, and I dont know when my day will come, but once again I know you will be there waiting, I will miss you "Best Brother" And if there's a center stage in heaven, save us a seat for your preformance, as you were a wonderful actor... Love Ken"

"My friend, David Ballard posted this short video last week and last night he died in his sleep. In high school, I knew him as my friend, Phoebe Lindsay's older step brother. He was one year older than both of us and worlds beyond us- cool, smart, funny, interesting, intellectual, goofy. I admit that I was completely smitten. When I came home from college for the summer, David and I spent an evening playing a drinking game called Mexican, over shots of Jack Daniels and a couple of beers as chasers. David was just as charming as I remembered and we laughed ourselves silly, ran through sprinklers in the early morning on other people's lawns, and he read me his short stories. We both went our separate ways and reconnected from time to time via email or phone calls and, eventually, Facebook. I was so happy to find he was still writing, acting, practicing law- spending it all- his gifts of intellect, charm, wit, sarcasm, hope, and still maintained that sense of wonder, joy, passion for all that is life. I am in shock. Truly. But, some things I know for sure.. David lived life rich and full, all in, danced naked, laughed at himself, and made you feel really good just being around him. These days, I don't really do shots of Jack Daniels, but what I wouldn't give for one more game of Mexican with you, David, all in, shots galore. Much love my friend. You make me sad. You always made me happy. I will hold onto that, I suppose. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuPYIfcSz_Y&feature=youtu.be&app=desktop "

"It is hard to believe that I have only known David for a little over a year. He made a big impact on the theater community in that short time. A group of us got together last weekend in tribute to David and to share our memories. He provided support to many of us in so many different ways. He was a good friend and a wonderful man and I will truly miss him. He was so proud of both Jack and Jessie! I hope knowing how much we thought of him will bring his family some comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you."

"I am so sorry for your loss. I went to college with David and will always remember him as a wonderful writer."

"I concur that Dave's greatest tribute are his children,Jack & Jessie. I got to know him as a parent who volunteered a lot with the CHS Behind the Scenes Club. As I got to know Jack through St. Mark's UMC Cornerstone Youth group at retreats and workcamps and Jessie as an Accent and Ambassador,it's obvious that Dave's legacy have resulted in two very fine young adults. I'm sure that the shock of losing their father will be hard but I have faith that their solid foundation,upbringing and friends will support them through these dark days. My thoughts and prayers are with the family members and friends as they celebrate Dave's life."

"I'll always remember David as one of the brightest in our high school class so his success in life was natural. We reconnected on Facebook in recent years. He passed far too early. Prayers and heartfelt condolences to his family. We lost a great man."

"Our hearts are with all of you. Dave's absence will be felt far and wide. He touched so many lives in his short time with us. So very, very sorry for all of you."

"So very sorry for this shocking loss. Prayers for all of David's family. Know that David helped many people. He will long be remembered as a gentle, giving, generous man."

"I have no words, and I have so many. From Sunset Park to the halls of Lincoln, Roosevelt and MHS. Plays, newspapers, yearbooks, speech tournaments, New York City...then our re-connection via Facebook and coming to watch you, with Shannon and flowers, in Deathtrap. I know you had more to do, more to share, but my friend, you embraced life. I grieve now, but I will celebrate you much longer. Peace to your family and friends, and peace to you. Rest well."

"May God's Peace and Love be with your family and friends. Thank you for the difference you made in my life and in countless others."

"Prayers for David's family and many friends. He lived a spectacular life that can be an example to all of us. I, too, have fond high school memories of David, but thoroughly enjoyed getting reacquainted on Facebook. Prayers, Cheryl Langworthy Irwin"

"We were stunned to hear of Dave's passing. He had become such an important part of the theatre community and put heart and soul into any task he performed. He rapidly made so many friends and will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Jan McGill and Doug Davis"

"Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sadness. I remember David fondly from high school. Blessings to you, Tamara Harsh Craver"

"To David's family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I knew David from high school, mostly from the theatre, and through social media reconnected with him as friends. In the past few years, I came to truly admire David for continuing to follow his passion of the theatre. I know he will missed by so many, but know that he will always be with you. May God touch all of you to help you through this difficult time. Prayers to all of you. Mary Jo (Lemmons) Wilson"