Travis L. Ballard, 43, of Fort Wayne, was born on April 27, 1981. He was a graduate of Bishop Dwenger High School (1999) and received his associate's degree from ITT Technical Institute in Electronics.

Travis unapologetically lived life to the fullest in everything he did. He loved the lake and annual trips with his closest friends. He loved buying and tinkering with random and novel gadgets. He loved chatting it up in social settings. He may have had a bit of a sneaker obsession.

And he really loved sports, especially Cub's baseball.

Travis met Carmen J. Gritzmaker in the 1st grade. But they didn't start dating until they reconnected in their 20's and married on April 25, 2009, at St Patrick's Catholic Church in Arcola.

Then came along the center of their universe, Corbin (17), Carlee (14) and Caylee (12), (as well as fur babies, Harper and Winnie). Travis would say his greatest accomplishment was being a stay-at-home dad—taking the kids on a spontaneous afternoon trip to a Tincaps baseball game or to the zoo. Or perhaps sneaking the kids a crunch wrap or pizza during late night tv time when mom wasn't looking, aka sleeping. Yet, he also wanted to ensure the kids ate more veggies than their mom, so he taught them to cook.

Travis was born with a heart that was not as strong as his love for life, and on Saturday, August 17, 2024, he passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of family and friends at IU Health Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis.

Travis is survived by his wife Carmen (Gritzmaker) Ballard, son Corbin Ballard, and daughters Carlee and Caylee Ballard, Mother Peggy (Turner) & Jeffrey Heinze, Sister Amanda (Ballard) & Rick Otis with Lincoln, Alex, Maggie, Jacob & Jackson Otis, Mason Ballard, Lily, Jocelyn & Austin Coates, and Father Rodney Ballard.

(In-laws) Greg & Jone Gritzmaker, Jennifer, Chris, Hayden, Cameron, & Brooklyn Minnick, Andrew Gritzmaker, Jenniffer, Angela, & Carter Jordan, Andria & Joey Ogg and Kadi Gritzmaker.

It brings us comfort to know that Travis is joined in heaven with family; Grandparents Duane and Dorothy Turner, Lafaun Haenel, and Grandmother Phyllis Heinze

We will celebrate and honor Travis's life on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 2:00pm, at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 1529 Barthold Street Fort Wayne, Indiana, with a service and mass. Calling is one hour prior to service.

Visitation is on Friday, August 23, 2024, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm, at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave Fort Wayne. The Rosary will be recited at 3:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, a gift may be given towards the Ballard children's education (in care of Carmen Ballard) or a donation to Riley Hospital for Children. To sign the online guestbook: go to www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com

Donations

In lieu of flowers, a gift may be given towards the Ballard children's education (in care of Carmen Ballard) or a donation to Riley Hospital for Children.