Mr. Vernon Stanford Ballard, 84, of Canon City, passed away August 16th, 2010. He was born in Allison Township, IL on October 25, 1925, the son of the late William and Martha (Smith) Ballard. He lived in Fairbanks Alaska for over 30 years, then moved to Canon City, Colorado. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, he loved moose hunting in the Alaskan wilderness. Vernon never found a stream in Alaska he would not fish. Vernon always had a smile and a joke for everyone, and he never did complain, or have a bad word about anyone. He was stationed on the USS Howard W Gilmore while in the Navy during WWII, he worked on the Alaska Railroad as a Round House Foreman until his retirement in 1978. He served as Past Commander of the VFW 4061 and was has an Honor Degree for the Military order of the Cootie. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Paul Ballard and Don Vermillion, and sister Alvena Kirkman. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Gloria Ballard of Canon City, daughter Penny (Ron) Rand of Williamsburg, Granddaughter Andrea Ballard of Florence and great granddaughters Isabell Yeager and Scarlett Wheeler both of Florence, and sisters Regina Moorman of Indiana and Marylan Gallimore of Georgia. Memorial Service will be at The Gateway Historic Community Chapel 110 N Santa Fe, Florence, CO, at 1:00pm on Friday, August 20th, with Charles Gielber officiating. Family and friends will gather after the service at the Family Home, 1518 Cedar, Canon City. On Line condolence at charlesanthonyfh.com