Emerson Ballard

Emerson David Ballard Sr. came into this world on July 24, 1929, the seventh of eight sons and daughters. Born to the union of two Christian, Masonic parents, Edna James, Past Matron of Jewel Chapter No. 20, Order of the Eastern and Walter Willard Ballard Sr., Past Master of Amazon Lodge No. 4 and Past Inspector General of Ohio. After the death of his mother in 1938, the Masonic tradition was continued by his second mom, Bell Z. Ballard, Past Director of Youth Activities. As a native of Toledo, Emerson was educated in the Toledo Public School System. He graduated from Libbey High and attended the University of Toledo. He also served in the U.S. Army Medical Corp in Munich, Germany. In 1956, he joined the Toledo Fire Department. During his 31 year career he served in the rescue squad, ladder truck and pumpers as Captain of Fire Station #24. He also served as liaison officer for the Toledo Board of Education School Safety Program. He retired as Captain in 1987. Following the Masonic tradition of his parents and older brother, he continued the legacy of service as Past Master of Amazon Lodge # 4, F&AM, PHA, Most Worthy Grand Joshua, Heroines of Jericho - State of Ohio, Past thrice Illustrious Master Zabud Council #2, R.&SM, PHA, Past High Priest of Maumee Chapter #6, RAM, PHA, Past Eminent Commander of St. John's Commandery No. 5, Knights Templer, Past C.I.C. St. Matthews Consistory #24, AASR, PHA, Excellent Grand Principal Sojourner of the Most Excellent Prince Hall Grand Chapter of Ohio Royal Arch Mason, Eminent Grand Lecturer (North) Ohio Prince Hall Grand Commandery of Knights Templer and Past Grand Worthy Patron of Amaranth Grand Chapter¸ Inc., Order Of The Eastern Star, PHA of Ohio. He was a member of Warren A.M.E. Church, "Friends of the Library", and Past Polemarch of the Toledo Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. On April 7, 2012, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Emerson departed this life. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 57 years, H. Lenore Ballard; one son, Dr. E. David Ballard II (Carlsbad, CA); one daughter, Atty. Rhea Ballard-Thrower, Professor of Law Howard University (Kensington, MD); one "adopted" son, Dr. M. Reuben Mosidi, T.P.S. School Psychologist; 3 grandchildren, Atty. Jennifer M. Ballard (Chicago), Atty. Emerson David Ballard III (Atlanta, GA), and eight year old Greyson Alexander Thrower; son-in-law, Atty. Lawrence A. Thrower, and daughter-in-law, Linda Cunningham-Ballard. Emerson also leaves to cherish his memory three sisters, Annetta, Sara, and Helen. Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. on Friday, followed by wake service and rites from 6-9 p.m. and funeral service 11 a.m., Saturday, all at Warren A.M.E. Church 915 Collingwood Blvd. Rev. Otis J. Gordon Jr. officiant. Burial at Historic Woodlawn Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Dale-Riggs Funeral Home. The Ballard family would like to express our sincere appreciation to the many friends and organizations which have touched our hearts with their acts of kindness and care, Gentiva Rehab Home Care, Sherry's Shuttle Service, Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Harrigan, Dr. Robert G. Axonovitz and Staff WTIMA, Hospice, and especially our Searles Rd. friends and neighbors. God bless you, one and all! www.dalefh.com