Brent Lamar Ballard

Brent “Frenchie” LaMar Ballard passed away on June 16th, 2024, surrounded by family at his home. It’s not the way they planned to celebrate Father’s Day, but Brent made sure his family will never forget it.

Brent was born on August 30, 1945, in Logan, Utah to Madge Blanchard and George Ballard, and was the second of three children. A lifelong farmer, Brent grew up working in the fields along the banks of Bear River and Cutler Reservoir in Cache Junction. He graduated from North Cache High School in Richmond, Utah in 1963. After high school graduation, he attended three quarters at Utah State University.

He served 26 months on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Santa Barbara, California. Brent attended University of California, Santa Barbara for two years before being drafted into the military during the Vietnam War.

Brent served in the United States Navy for 9 years on the USS Fiske from 1968 through 1977, spending his free time in the cities of Naples, Italy, Paris, France and Seville, Spain.  It was while he was serving in the Navy, he met “a pretty little French girl,” Josette Alfonsi. Brent and Josie were married in Naples in 1970, and they lived in Boston, Brooklyn, and Virginia Beach stateside before Brent was transferred back to Europe. In 1976, where their only daughter Brigitte was born in Spain.

Brent and his family permanently returned to Cache Valley and made their home on the family farm in Cache Junction in 1977. Brent farmed during the day and got a job working graveyard shift on the cleaning crew at Schreiber Foods. Later, Brent took a job as a forklift driver in shipping and receiving, where he worked until his retirement in 2011 after 34 years. Brent was always working, and he maintained his farm with his nephew Josh meticulously until he passed.

Brent loved the outdoors, including fishing, hunting, and boating and he spent many summers on Lake Powell with family and close friends. After retirement, Brent spent most of his winters in St. George. One of Brent’s favorite past times was playing practical jokes on those closest to him, and this led to a host of practical jokes being played on him too. Wherever Brent was, laughter was present.

No matter the occasion or day of the week, you could depend on Brent sporting his signature denim overalls or a classic leisure suit. Another thing you could count on was a text or phone call on your birthday or anniversary. Brent never forgot those special days – not just for his family, but across his enormous circle of friends.

Brent was preceded in death by his parents George and Madge, his older baby sister George Anne, his younger brother Lyle, and his wife of 41 years, Josette Alfonsi Ballard.

Brent is survived by his only daughter Brigitte, and his loving grandchildren, Mason Barfuss, and Natalie Barfuss. He is also survived his nephews Josh (Cheri) Ballard, and Judd Ballard, nieces Carmen (Todd) Sorenson, MaRee (Trent) Carter, Mandy (Mike) Beutler, Bonny (Jason) Butler, and Jordan Ballard, and his sister-in-law Pam. He is also survived by many great nieces and nephews, bonus kids and grandkids, neighbors, co-workers, and lifelong friends, including his special friend and taxi driver Ruby Woodward.

Friends and family may pay condolences Friday June 21, 2024 from 6 to 8 pm at the Newton LDS Chapel at 76 South 100 West, Newton, and again from 9:30-10:30 am on June 22, 2024. Funeral services will be held in the Newton LDS Chapel at 11:00 am on June 22, 2024. Interment and military honors will be at the Newton Cemetery.

Those wishing may watch the services by clicking HERE

In honor of Brent’s unique style, the family suggests wearing overalls or leisure suits to the Friday service, reflecting Brent’s favorite attire and love for simplicity.