Mourning Octavio C. Ballard, Sr.

In Loving Memory of Octavio Cornelius Ballard, Sr.

Sunrise: March 16, 1982 – Sunset: May 19, 2025

With broken hearts, we share the devastating news of the passing of our beloved Octavio C. Ballard, who left us far too soon on May 19, 2025, at the age of 43.

Born on March 16, 1982, in Wichita, Kansas, Octavio was a proud graduate of Wichita Heights High School, Class of 2000. Following graduation, he honorably served in the United States Army, completing two tours of duty, including service in Afghanistan.

He later made Dallas, Texas, his home, where he built a life rooted in faith, family, and personal growth.

On May 30, 2003, he united in marriage with the love of his life, Tenisha Germany-Ballard. Fatherhood became Octavio’s greatest joy. His firstborn son, Jamen, changed his life forever. Together, he and Tenisha were blessed with two more cherished children, daughter Kayla and son Octavio Jr. He was endlessly proud of his three children and poured his heart into being a present, loving, and supportive father.

To know Octavio was to love him. His infectious humor and magnetic personality lit up every room. Many will fondly remember his hilarious and heartfelt Facebook posts, which brought smiles to countless friends and family. While his sense of humor was unforgettable, his deepest joy came from being surrounded by loved ones. Octavio was a devoted son, grandson, brother, and most of all, a father.

Tavio was a man of many passions, a dedicated fitness enthusiast, a committed mentor to many, a loyal Dallas Cowboys fan, and a lover of travel and music. He especially cherished his trip to Egypt and vacations to California to visit his younger brother, Recce. Music was the soundtrack of his life, and he took great pleasure in sharing it with others.

A man of strong faith, Octavio was committed to living with purpose and striving for personal growth. Octavio dedicated 16 years to serving as an Army recruiter, guiding others with purpose and pride. He continued his calling to uplift others through his work in talent acquisition at Rose International and later as a Business Development Manager at USM Business Systems. His passion for helping people find their path remained at the heart of all he did.

In November 2023, he fulfilled a long-held dream by earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Leadership and Interdisciplinary Studies from Trident University. He was nearing the completion of his Master’s Degree in Business Leadership, with graduation from Trident University planned in August 2025.

Octavio was welcomed him into heavens gates by his father, Thomas E. Ballard; grandparents, Rev. W. H. Rice, John Ballard, Sr., and Bertha Woods-Ballard; uncles, Rev. Alfred E. Hicks and Kip Watson; and special cousin, Talisha D. Hicks-White.

Octavio leaves behind a legacy of love and strength in the hearts of those who survive him: wife, Tenisha N. Germany-Ballard; mother, Marva Rice-Swan; bonus dad, Wayne Swan; grandmother, Martha Bell-Montgomery; sons, Jamen Ballard and Octavio Ballard Jr.; daughter, Kayla Ballard; brothers, Recce Smith, Maurice Smith (Harmony), Thomas Ballard Jr.; sisters, Valencia Smith, LaShawn Smith-Bates (Travis), Dominique Smith, Andrea Ballard, Alexandria Ballard, and Amber Ballard; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless cherished friends.

Octavio’s kindness, laughter, and loyalty will never be forgotten. His life was a gift to us all, and his memory will live on through those he touched so deeply. The marathon will continue.

Celebration of Life:

Saturday, June 14, 2025

10:00am

New Jerusalem Baptist Church

1625 N. Madison

Wichita, KS 67214

Internment:

Monday, June 16, 2025

11:00am

Winfield Kansas Veterans Cemetery

1208 N. College Street

Wichita, KS 67156

Arrangements Entrusted To:

Jackson Mortuary

1125 East 13th

Wichita, KS 67214

Please continue to pray for the family during this challenging time.

Lineage:

Octavio is the son of Marva Rice-Swan (Wayne) and Thomas E. Ballard; Grandson of Martha Bell-Montgomery & Rev. W. H. Rice; Great-grandson of Willie C. Bell & Maggie Berry–Smith; Great-great-grandson of Lucinda Alford-Bell and Ivory Bell; and Great-great-great-grandson of Matthew Solomon Alford & Lucy Berry-Alford.