STATEHOUSE (Sept. 27, 2023) – State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) recently presented a Circle of Corydon award to the family of well-known local funeral director and pastor George Myron "Marty" Ballard Jr., who passed away in February.
Ballard was the owner of Ballard and Sons Funeral Home and Cremation Services, along with his wife, Gina, and his son, Ryan. Along with his service in the funeral industry, Ballard was the lead pastor at Yorktown Church of the Nazarene for 12 years. He served as Master of the Middletown Masonic Lodge, president of the Middletown Lions Club and as co-chair of the Middletown Fall Funfest along with his wife.
"Marty was the epitome of 'service before self,' and his life truly reflected that," Criswell said. "He put the needs of others first, and he will continue to serve as inspiration to many of us in Middletown for years to come."
Ballard was also an 11-year member of the Middletown E.M.S., where he worked as a training officer.
He had been named EMT of the Year, Lion of the Year, and received a Sagamore of the Wabash in 1979 by Gov. Otis Bowen.
The Circle of Corydon Award was established by the governor in 2017 to recognize Hoosiers who have made remarkable contributions to the betterment of Indiana and its people, demonstrating through life and service qualities exemplified by the state’s greatest citizens. This is the only award issued and signed jointly by members of both the executive and legislative branches.
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State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) represents House District 54,
which includes portions of Hancock, Henry, Rush and Shelby counties.
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PHOTO ATTACHED
CAPTION: State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) (right) presents Circle of Corydon to the family of longtime Middletown funeral director and pastor George Myron "Marty" Ballard Jr. on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, in Middletown. Criswell was joined by (front row, left to right) Henry County Councilwoman Betsy Mills, Kayla Hall, Gina Ballard, (back row, left to right) Tim Hall and Ryan Ballard.
