Chester (Skeeter) Ray Ballard, age 66, of Marshall, IL earned his wings Thursday May 30, 2019 at 6:20 PM at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on August 30, 1952 in Vincennes, IN to Paul Eugene and Juanita June (Phillips) Woolsey. He married Gloria Jean Straw on July 19, 1974 in Paris, IL. He was a 1970 graduate of Marshall High School. He devoted his career to building and auditing semi-trailers for Trailmobile in Charleston, IL. He finished his career at Great Dane in Terre Haute, IN. Chester had a love for nature and enjoyed hunting, fishing, 3 wheeler riding, mowing, and Landscaping his yard. He took pride in his beautiful flower gardens. Chet loved sitting on his patio and spending time with his family. He was a member of ABATE. He was survived by his wife of 44 years Gloria Jean Straw, daughter Nicole “Niki” Sanders (Clay) of Marshall, son Gene (Michelle) Ballard of Marshall, Daughter Jessie (Dana) Black of Seymour, IN. His grand Children Anthony Ballard, Levi Ballard, Taylor (Jordan) Ballard, Mackenzie Rogers, Trinity Sanders, Brianna Tidd, Brielyn TIdd. His Great Grand-Babies Kilynn, Renlee, Xavier, Liam, River, Rhett, and NIko. His bonus children Kelly Conard and Lila Clark. His bonus Grandchildren Cody and Colton Gosnell, Wade Kibler, Grace Dudley and Emma Griffith. His Mother Juanita June (Phillips) Woolsey of Indianapolis, his Brothers Paul of Marshall, Doug of Ft. Lauderdale, Philip and Joe of Spencer, IN, Step brother De Waugh (Terri) of Marshall, his sisters Cindy Ballard of Indianapolis, Cecilia Patterson (Craig) Of Kentucky. His step-sister Marietta LeBrun (Jesse) of West Lafayette, IN. His step sisters Starla Hollingsworth (Spike), Lana Jackson (Troy), and Tana Long (Mark). Several Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. His special RN Jaime Garrard and personal PA Kaitlyn Jensen-Reimann (Clay), and his dog Niki Ballard. Preceded in death by his father Paul Ballard Sr., Brother Alex Ballard, and many friends. Celebration of life will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday June 4, 2019 at the Pearce Funeral Home with Rev Nate Alexander officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 PM Monday evening at the Funeral Home. For those so desiring memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association. Online condolences maybe expressed at pearcefuneralservices.com.