Thomas "Tom" Gene Ballard

Thomas Gene Ballard of Cape Coral, FL, passed away Thursday, January 23^rd, 2020 at approximately 2:30 pm in his home at the age of 68. Tom suffered from prolonged traumatic brain injuries. Tom was born December 28^th, 1951 in Morrison, IL. Following high school, Tom served 6 years in the Army National Guard. He was a loving and devoted husband, son, brother, father and grandfather. Tom worked as a tool and die maker for Quality Metal Products in Peoria, IL for 30+ years. After retiring, Tom got his contractor’s license, built four homes and worked on various projects for family and friends. There was never a project too large or too small that Tom would not tackle. He was a brilliant, talented and ingenious man. Every time Tom walked into a room his presence was known. A jokester at heart yet as determined as they come, Tom leaves a legacy of love, laughter, and life.  Anyone whom ever had the pleasure of knowing this miraculous man would agree.

In his free time, Tom enjoyed spending time in his “Mancave” comprised of his “man toys”; pinball machines, poker machines, slot machine, electronic dart board, air hockey table, jukebox, pool table and poker/billiard table. Tom was an avid Ultimate Texas Holdem’ player, St. Louis Cardinal MLB fan, college basketball fan and golfer. He loved traveling to exotic destinations with his wife, especially cruising.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife of over 14 years, Karen (Caudill); mother, Jean (Roete); sister, Sandy (Parvin), brother, Richard; daughters, Andrea (Todd) and Tionna (Pauli), son, Jeremy (Todd), step sons, Jeremy Evans (Tara), Aaron Evans (Summer), Christopher Evans (Rachael); grandchildren, Blake and M’Kenzie (Moloshco), Kamren (Pauli), Lucy, Eleanor and Ben (Evans), Allison, Emily and Natalie (Evans), and lastly his beloved Ziggy.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Wayne; sister-in-law, Sherry; his aunt Rosie and uncle Bill Nickerson; and his beloved pets, Kato, Tigi, Gejo, Gizmo, Chloe, Waggles, and Bailey.

Services will be held at a later date.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.