Lloyd Walter Ballou

Lloyd Walter “Wally” Ballou, 88, Topeka, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, December 13, 2017, at The House at Midland Care. Lloyd was born September 11, 1929, in Ware, Massachusetts, the son of Walter and Ellen Messier Ballou. He graduated from Ware High School in 1945. Lloyd attended Tufts University on a track scholarship earning a bachelor’s degree. On September 11, 1954, Lloyd and Lillian Emily Slosek were united in marriage. She died on March 5, 1978. Lloyd entered the US Air Force on August 1, 1958. He served in the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War as a navigator, flying in F-89s, B-50s and C-130s. He was stationed at Westover AFB in Massachusetts, Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Peterson Field in Colorado Springs, Yokata AFB in Japan, Turner AFB in Georgia, retiring in 1972 in Kansas at Forbes AFB after 22 years of service. Lloyd was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church. He was a member of the American Legion and bowled on a senior league at Gage Bowl. He built grandfather clocks as a hobby and enjoyed fishing and playing cards. Not one to talk about himself, he was humble and always more of a “go along to get along” type. He liked buying lottery tickets, going to the casino and being with his family. Lloyd was an uncomplicated and honest man who loved fiercely and unselfishly, especially his grandchildren. Grateful to have shared his life are his son, Thomas Lloyd Ballou (Donna Tabor); daughter, Nancy Ballou Matzke (Randy); six grandchildren, Mike, Luke and Maddie Ballou and Ryan, Blake and Logan Matzke; and former daughter-in-law, Lis Ballou; and numerous nieces and nephews. Lloyd was also preceded in death by his son, Paul Douglas Ballou on August 24, 1992, and sisters, Irene Smith and Bea Charbonneau. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, 2014 NW 46th St, Topeka KS 66618. Family will greet friends one hour prior to Mass. Burial with full military honors will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Silver Lake Education Foundation, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614.

Lloyd Walter Ballou

September 11, 1929 - December 13, 2017