John Gary Ballou, age 72, of Pleasanton, Kansas passed away Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at his home. He was born February 4, 1947 to Robert Oliver Ballou and Wilma Jean Gray Ballou (who passed away a few days after his birth) in Kansas City, Missouri. He was raised by his father and mother, Cecile Hyacinth Reed Ballou, who adopted him at about 15 months.

John graduated in 1967 from Southwest High School in Kansas City, Missouri. He received a BS in Chemistry from the University of Kansas. He married Debra Jean Pile Ballou, his high school sweetheart, in 1969. John served in the Kansas National Guard from 1970-1976. John worked for the Union Pacific Railroad and Farmland Industries in Kansas City. John and Debby moved from Kansas City to Amsterdam, Missouri when John went to work for Kansas City Power and Light in 1972.

John and Debby soon bought 80 acres in rural Pleasanton. He built their home here, and they raised their daughter Lori who was born in 1976. In 2002, he retired from Kansas City Power and Light after nearly 30 years. After surviving cancer, John and Debby completed their travels to all 50 states together.

John is survived by his wife Debby, of 50 years, his daughter Lori Ann Ballou Stahlman and husband Justin and grandchildren Cole (16) and Aubrey (12) of Concordia, Kansas, his half-sister Anne Ballou Piccinini of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and other extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a baby brother, Robert Oliver Ballou Junior.
According to John’s wishes he was cremated and a private family graveside gathering will take place at a later date at Eureka Cemetery.

The family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society c/o Schneider Funeral Home PO Box 525, Pleasanton, Kansas 66075. On-line condolences may be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com