On August 2, 2022, Reverend Tom L. Ballard achieved his ultimate goal, seeing the face of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was an ordained Bishop with the Church of God (Cleveland, TN). Tom was born on August 24, 1962, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Donald and Delores Ballard, who have preceded him in death.
Tom married the love of his life, Debra (Lewis) Ballard, and they have been married for 38 years. Together they have two daughters, Cassandra (Monte) Brubaker and Vanessa Ballard, and two grandchildren, Kinleigh Pearl and Alexander Thomas. Tom is also survived by his brother, Bishop Randy (Annette) Ballard; sister, Candace (Robert) Balzano; and many nieces and nephews, whom he loved deeply.
In 1987, Tom graduated from Northwest Bible College in Minot, North Dakota. He pastored in Colorado, Michigan, and Indiana. Tom and his family moved to Marion, Indiana, in 2004 and he fell in love with the city of Marion and its people. He desired to see the city set on fire for Jesus Christ and the lives of people radically changed. It was that desire that led him to start The Tabernacle Church in 2007. He remained the lead pastor until his death.
Tom was an avid Andy Griffith fan and owned one of the original Mayberry squad cars. He loved to play the banjo, inspired by The Darlings.
Tom was a wonderful leader for his family and congregation, as well as a friend to so many others. His passing leaves an incredible void. He deeply loved people.
The family will receive visitors from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, August 5, 2022, at The Tabernacle, 304 N. Miller Ave., Marion, IN.
A funeral service to celebrate Tom’s life will be at 12:00 noon on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at The Tabernacle, with additional visitation beginning at 11:00 am until the service starts. Todd Thomas and Jeff Fuller will be officiating with burial following at Mt. Etna Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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