John A. Ballard

John A. Ballard, 83, of Ballard Ranch Road, Carlsbad, NM, passed away May 14, 2026 at his home. Visitation will be 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM, Thursday, May 21, 2026 at First Baptist Church with Nathan Jurva officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, NM. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

John was born on March 17, 1943, in Carlsbad, to Harley and Alice Ballard. He married Carolyn Lee on January 1, 1964, in Lake Arthur. John spent his entire life working on the family farm and ranch, a way of life he deeply loved.

He could often be found in the kitchen cooking, especially baking his famous brownies loaded with extra pecans. John was also known for making a birthday cake for every family birthday — something everyone eagerly anticipated each year.

After Carolyn’s passing in 1990, John married Mary Lou Hood on August 28, 1993, in Carlsbad. John never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was a proud member of the New Mexico Mounted Patrol, the Eddy County Sheriff’s Posse, and B.P.O. Elks Lodge 1558.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carolyn Lee Ballard; daughter, Konnie Eigsti; grandson, Graham Arthur Jurva; brothers Jerry, Harley, and Tooks Ballard; and sister, Mittie Smart.

Survivors are his wife, Mary Lou Ballard; daughters: Sandy J. Ballard and wife, Rachael, Katie Townsend and husband, Ross, Krista Jurva and husband, Nathan, and Kari Putman and husband, Jon; son-in-law, Mike Eigsti; grandchildren: Austen Eigsti and Brianne, Zack Putman and wife, Teagon, Bryce Kershaw and husband, Gabe, Aubry Putman, Cydnee Eigsti, Jack Jurva, Payton Putman, Morgan Townsend, Kelly Jurva, Luke Jurva, and Reid Townsend; great-granddaughter, Hope Eigsti; sister, Kathleen Hood and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Carlsbad Soil and Water Conservation District, 3219 S. Canal Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Ballard, Winston Ballard, Kim Colwell, Jae Walker, Don Shearman, Chase Brown, Lynn Ballard and Wes Carter. Honorary pallbearers will be Clayton Colwell, John's children and their families.