3/21/1929 - 12/16/2023
Ballard Fleming was born March 21, 1929 in Etty, KY to Millard and Esther (Cornett) Fleming. He was preceded in death by his parents, and in November 2013 by his wife of 62 years, Sophia (Oetting) from Linden, NJ. Ballard was one of 8 children. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Basil Fleming, Bernard Fleming, and Robert Fleming, and a sister, Martha Brayshaw. Ballard is survived by two sisters, Hattie Moore and Edna Short, and one brother, Bonard Fleming.
Ballard is also survived by his three children, Christine (Gene) Royer of Omaha, Joanne (Jim) Taylor of Lone Tree , CO and Jim (Jennifer) Fleming of Omaha, 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Ballard was a retired Army Major who proudly served his country for 20 years. He was stationed in Japan, Korea, and twice in Germany in addition to several U.S. locations. Ballard had the privilege of teaching classes attended by Elvis Presley at Ft. Hood, TX in 1958. In Seoul Korea an orphanage wing was named after Capt. Ballard Fleming for the work his unit did to secure building materials, warm winter clothing, and mattresses for the children.
Upon his retirement, the family moved to Omaha in 1966 and Ballard completed his degree in business at Omaha University. He worked at selling insurance, as a stockbroker,and investment advisor at his own firm.
Ballard was a 60 year member of the Free Masons, and also belonged to the Scottish Rite and Tangier Shrine. He was also past president of the Optimist Club.
Both Ballard and Sophia were active members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Benson.
In his free time, Ballard enjoyed gardening, taking photographs, playing cribbage, traveling, reading about Abraham Lincoln, and always spending time with his friends and family.
Memorials may be directed to the Immanuel Lutheran Church Foundation or Nebraska Humane Society.
Celebration of Life Services
Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at Braman Mortuary 1702 N, 72nd St. Omaha, NE
Visitation 10:00 a.m.
Masonic Rites 10:45
Funeral Service 11:00
Private Burial with Military Honors following the service will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery 7909
Mormon Bridge Road, Omaha, NE
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