Patrick "Pat" J. Ballard

Patrick “Pat” Jay Ballard, 77, of Dewey, died Wednesday, July 10, 2024, in Bartlesville. Pat was born the son of Marvin “Pete” Patrick and Gretta Maxine (Morrison) Ballard on July 11, 1946, in Bartlesville, OK. In his younger years, he enjoyed caring for and riding his horse, Poncho. When out cruising the town his favorite place to hang out with friends was Zesto’s Drive Thru on the west side of town. Pat admired his grandpa Clifford, who was a Washington County Deputy Sheriff while he was growing up. Pat graduated from College High with the class of 1964 and went on to further his education at Oklahoma State University. Pat was set up on a blind date with the love of his life, Beverly “Bev” June Virden. She wasn’t so sure about him at first, but warmed up to him eventually. They were united in marriage on February 23, 1971, and enjoyed 39 years together. Bev preceded him in death on September 24, 2010. Right out of college, Pat worked for Cities Service from 1967-69 before joining the Bartlesville Police Department as a patrolman. He retired in 1993 as a lieutenant, but this first retirement lasted just a few months before he went to work as a deputy for the sheriff’s office. Pat ran for and was elected sheriff and he served unopposed until his second retirement in 2008 after 43 years of combined law enforcement duty. Those who knew Pat would agree he came off as a bit grouchy. He liked to complain about what he was doing at the time, but this was just his way of reacting to the situation. In reality, Pat was doing exactly what he wanted to do, which was usually helping others. His children remember him to be a wonderful father who loved unconditionally and was ready to lending a helping hand when asked or needed. He taught them that a good name is everything and it was worth protecting. Pat loved the Lord and with Bev attended First Assembly of God Church in Bartlesville. His greatest joy came from spending time with Bev. They enjoyed fishing and camping, taking the grandkids on drives or into their home, oftentimes all of them at once. A big part of him passed with Bev, and he dearly missed her every day. Pat is survived by his children, Angela (Bruce Doenges) Blackard, Bryan (Jolana) Ballard, Shelly (Wesley) Bates and Kelly (Mike) Robbins; eleven grandchildren, Chase Blackard, Reed Blackard, Patrick (Danni) Ballard, Micah (Lydia) Ballard, Landon (Purity Meyer) Ballard, Tyler Bates, Bethany (Reed Alm) Bates, Kaley (Clint) Herron, Amanda (Jordan Inman) Griggs, Hunter (Tori) Griggs and Ashlynn (Bailey) Hopkins; thirteen great-grandchildren, Levi, Adalynn, Maisy, Wrenley, Crew, Wynter, Natalie, Noah, River, Leighton, Monte, Delson and Arlin; and a host of other family and friends, including his horse Dude and dogs Gracie and Champ. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife; and sister, Kaye Ballard. Pat’s family will receive friends on Tuesday, from 6-7 p.m., at the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel, 918-333-7665, 4201 Nowata Rd, Bartlesville. Visitation will also be held on Tuesday from 10-8 and Wednesday 9-11. Services will be held on Wednesday, at 2 p.m., at the Bartlesville Community Center, with Rev. Ike Amaro officiating. Interment will follow in the Dewey Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Patrick "Pat" J. Ballard

July 11, 1946 - July 10, 2024