Thurman "Tooks" F. Ballard

Thurman F. "Tooks" Ballard was born in Carlsbad, New Mexico on December 2, 1932, to Harley F. and Alice Ballard. He passed from this life on February 3, 2013, at home. Tooks was raised on the family ranch southwest of White's City on the Upper Black River and graduated from Carlsbad High School. He served two years of active service in the US Army. Tooks farmed and drove a fertilizer truck for Craft Fertilizer for several years. He worked at Carlsbad Caverns National Park as an assistant elevator mechanic, where he met his wife Wah-Leah Cox. They were married on January 21, 1960. Tooks and Wah-Leah moved to Peach Springs, Arizona where he installed elevators. When they returned to Carlsbad, Tooks worked for Southwest Potash Mine for nine years and later returned to work at Carlsbad Caverns where he worked as an elevator mechanic until his retirement in 1982. He was active in the New Mexico Mounted Patrol, the Masonic Lodge AMFM #21, Order of Eastern Star #54, and the International Order of Odd Fellows for many years. Tooks is survived by his wife of the home, Wah-Leah Ballard; daughter, Beverly Schrock and husband, Glenn; son, Randy Ballard and wife, Shawn; grandchildren: Danica and Samantha Watson, Nickole, Jacob and Jordan Ballard; great-grandchildren: McKenzie Stoltzfus and Jayda Srader; brothers: Jerry Ballard and wife, Shirley, Harley Ballard and wife, Debby, John Ballard and wife, Mary Lou; and sister Kathleen Hood and husband, Gene, all of Carlsbad. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mittie Jo Smart; an infant daughter, Elizabeth; and granddaughter, Michelle Stoltzfus. Services will be held Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Sunset Church of Christ with Mike Veilleux officiating. Pallbearers are Frank Ballard, Jimmy Ballard, Dale Ballard, Winston Ballard, Ray Ballard and Lynn Ballard. Burial will follow at Carlsbad Cemetery. Carlsbad Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to a hospice of your choice. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com