John Murry Ballou, 83, of Columbia, KY passed away Friday, December 19, 2025 at T.J. Samson Community Hospital in Glasgow, KY surrounded by his family. He was born in Adair County on August 9, 1942 to the late Estel and Mary Hunter Ballou.

Mr. Ballou was a member of the Columbia Christian Church, former Adair County Sheriff and Deputy Sheriff from 1986-1999, and served in the United States Army. John was known as a loving husband, father and grandfather that would help anyone in need. He was a great storyteller and never met a stranger. He loved working on his farm and raising beef cattle.

SURVIVORS:

His wife: Nancy Hancock Ballou of Columbia, KY

3 children: Ann Young (Toby), Jenny Myers (Chad) and Ben Ballou (Elizabeth) all of Columbia, KY

8 grandchildren: Will Myers (Maddie), Miller Young (fiancée Kaitlynn Vela), Abby Baker (Walter), Maggie Young, Nathan Ballou, Lilly Myers, Sallie Ballou, and Hunter Ballou

3 siblings: Sherman Ballou (Sharon) of Cave City, KY, Juanita Pendygraft (Neil) of Glasgow, KY and Marla Shelley (J.M.) of Columbia, KY

Sseveral nieces, nephews & friends

Funeral Service: Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 11:00amCT at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home in Columbia, KY with Bro. John Davis and Bro. Adam Shepard officiating

Burial: Columbia Cemetery with full military honors provided by VFW Post 6097

Visitation: Monday from 4:00-8:00pm CT and Tuesday morning until time for the service

Pallbearers: Will Myers, Miller Young, Nathan Ballou, Hunter Ballou, Chad Myers, and Toby Young

Honorary pallbearers: Abby & Walter Baker, Maggie Young, Lilly Myers, Sallie Ballou, Maddie Myers, and Kaitlynn Vela

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude or to the WHAS Crusade for Children and can be left at the funeral home.
 

Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.