Matthew Paul Ballard
November 19, 1963 – November 1, 2024
Matthew Paul Ballard, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away at home on November 1, 2024, at the age of 60. Born on November 19, 1963, in N. Kansas City, Missouri, Matthew lived a life full of love, laughter, and connection.
Matthew married his devoted wife, Nancy, on June 2, 1984, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Walthill. The couple moved to Omaha in 1986, where they built a loving home for their two children. Matthew was a proud father to daughter, Bailey, and son,Trent, who were the light of his life.
A graduate of Walthill High School in 1982, Matthew pursued further studies at Wayne State College before embarking on a remarkable 38-year career as a communication technician, serving with TeleSystems, Baker Communication/Windstream, and OPPD. He was known for his expertise in his field, earning the respect and friendship of his colleagues.
Matthew had a gift for making connections and was known for his warm and congenial presence. He never met a stranger, embodying his welcoming spirit and easygoing nature. He had a knack for engaging and passionate conversations on any topic. A father figure to many, he was the “baby whisperer” for many nieces and nephews, offering comfort and joy to those around him. His hugs were legendary, providing comfort to friends and family alike.
A devoted Nebraska Cornhuskers football fan, Matthew celebrated every touchdown with high fives to all, and kisses just for Nancy. He enjoyed hard rock music and was so proud of his signature chain wallet.
Matthew is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; his children, Bailey (Kyle) Janicek, Trent Ballard and Alberto Lopez; his parents, Sandy Ballard, and Wes and Anne Ballard; siblings, Heather (Tom) Brumm, Luke (Chris) Ballard, Naomi (Jason) Kile, and Maggie Ballard; and in-laws, Martin and Linda Henjes, Doug (Shana) Henjes, Debbie Meyer, Karen Stansberry and Brian Robinson; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Matthew’s warmth, humor, and spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A CELEBRATION OF LIFE will be held Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 11AM at the West Center Chapel, with VISITATION beginning at 10AM.
Memorials will go to support the family or will be decided at a later time.
To view a live Broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click on the “LiveCast” button at top of the home page.
18 Comments
My heart is heavy with the sense of your loss. May the happy memories give you all strength during this sad time. Love you all.
So sorry to hear about your loss.
God bless your family Matt, it was an honor knowing you for this short period at Oppd. You will be missed. Many prayers have and will continue for your family.
I am deeply saddened by Matt’s passing. He was a Blujay through and through. Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss, each and everyone.
Sending my love and prayers to Nancy and family. I am so heart broken for you all. Matt was such a nice guy and will be missed by all who knew him.
Our sincere sympathies to you all! Every time we saw Matt, he was so warm and genuine. A good friend!! He will be a wonderful angel! Bob and Melody Thompson (Andy Kruse inlaw)
I’m so very sorry to hear about Matt’s untimely passing. I know the warmth and laughter you all shared will remain and he’ll be forever watching over you all.
Nancy, Bailey, Trent and beloved extended family – I haven’t seen Matt in a long time but my first thought of him was his joyfulness, friendliness and warmth. He teased me plenty as a little kid and teenager and I loved every minute of it. He definitely had a twinkle in his eyes and always had a joke at the ready. I have been lifting you all up in prayer since I heard this sad news and I will continue to do so in the coming days. I believe in the goodness of God and in the hurt and hard times ahead, I pray it is evident to you that He is there right next to you extending mercy and grace. I know you have many good friends around you Nancy and your family loves you so much and I hope that brings you comfort. Thinking of you and sending so much love – Cousin Jenny
My Condolences. Matt will be missed by his OPPD family. Although it was for a short period, Matt made a place at home here. Thoughts and Prayers to his family and friends.
This news hit me hard! I worked with Matt for many years when we worked for Telesystems. He was such a good soul. Prayers to his wife, daughter and son!
Sending prayers and love your way. Matt always seemed like a force of nature that swept through and made everyone smile around him. We know he will be greatly missed!❤️
Hugs, prayers, and condolences to the extended Ballard family.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4 NIV🙏🏾
Our deepest condolences and prayers for you and your family. At this tough time. I didn’t know Matt I can just feel what an amazing person he was by reading this information. Sounds like he really made a difference to the people on this earth. Love to all Linda Scholting —Friend of Nancy’s
Heaven gained another angel. Matt had a special gift of making others comfortable while sharing a most contagious smile at the same time. I have not spoken to him in years but just know he left such a positive impact in the lives of many. Prayers sent and will continue. Much love to the entire family at such a difficult time.
With sympathy and prayers for your comfort in this sad time.
Mary Lou & Westlake United Methodist Church, Austin, TX, friends of Mary & Paul.
Matt was an awesome mam I remember our travels to Omaha when I was younger and staying with aunt sandy and hanging out with Matt and talking work when I got see him for family events in Oklahoma. He will definitely be missed.
Matt and I worked together on many projects over the years. We attended an Ozzy and Rob Zombie concert together up in Sioux City as well. I have spent many long hours and overnights working and talking with Matt. I am sorry I did not hear of his passing as we have lost touch over the last few years. He was a great guy and I will remember him as a more than a coworker. He was a friend. Condolences to his family and friends.
I met Matt through working with his peers from TeleSystems at New Vision Communications. He also was one of the primary engineers that worked my employer’s account after I moved on from being a solution provider. He was always great to work with and was easy to converse with. He is one of the great ones. He will be missed. Condolences to the family.
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