LESTER A. BALLARD, M.D.

Lester was born on August 31, 1929 to the late Mildred (nee McCullour) and Lester Sr. and passed away March 2, 2024.  Loving father of Brent (Ann) and Julie Gordon (Scott), cherished grandfather to Brent Ballard Jr. (Neena), Isabel Stovsky (Brian), Wick Ballard, Tom Gordon, Bill Gordon (Mandy) and great-grandfather to Brent, Arthur and John. Les was previously married to Joan Rodkey Cody and Harriet Moore Ballard (deceased). Brother of the late Barbara Wesco.

After graduating high school from the Tennessee Military Institute in 1947, Les earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1951 and then a Doctor of Medicine in 1955 from The Ohio State University. Les interned at The University Hospitals of OSU and then completed his Residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland. After spending several more years at University Hospitals of Cleveland, Les spent the majority of his career as a surgeon and physician at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Les served as Chairman of the Department of Gynecology from the mid-1970s until 1990 and was known nationwide as a Master Surgeon and renowned mentor. He developed new surgical techniques and was considered the grandfather of pelvic reconstructive surgery that dramatically improved the lives of patients. His Clinic colleagues describe that Les had a major impact on compassionate patient care through his dedicated example. After retiring from medicine, Les sailed across the Atlantic and other remote parts of the globe. In addition to his family, Les was passionate about sailing, travel and art.

Private family burial Hunting Valley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution in his memory to https://give.ccf.org/ or checks can be made to Cleveland Clinic Foundation, PO Box 931517, Cleveland, OH 44193-1655.

Arrangements by Chambers Funeral Home of Cleveland (216) 251-6566 www.chambersfuneral.com