Obituary of Robert Lewis Ballard

INVENTOR OF THE HEATED CAR SEAT, 1937 SOAP BOX DERBY ALL-AMERICAN & WORLD CHAMPION AND WORLD WAR II VETERAN DIES Robert Lewis Ballard, age 96 of St. Louis, a veteran of World War II, Soap Box Derby champion and inventor of the “heated car seat,” passed-away on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at John Cochran VA Medical Center in St. Louis. Cause of death was respiratory failure due to COVID. Robert Lewis Ballard was born November 3, 1924 to Wayland Lewis (Lew) Ballard and Sara Elizabeth (Betty) (nee Young) at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, Florida. Robert spent his formative Depression-era years in White Plains, NY, Ozona, FL and Milford, CT where he graduated from high school. It was in White Plains where Robert and his father—“a self-taught engineer” who was “inventive and pragmatic”—built the soap box derby racers with which Robert and his brother Richard would later compete. As a boy, Robert’s interests were Boy Scouts, ice-skating, darkroom photography, music and reading science fiction. In 1937, Robert competed and placed in the preliminary races for the soap box derby national championship at Derby Downs racetrack at Akron, Ohio. It was here on August 15, 1937 that 12-year-old Robert placed first as the All-American Soap Box Derby champion as well as the sepaarate World Soap Box Derby champion. The $2,000 college scholarship (awarded by Chevy, the derby sponsor) enabled Robert to attend the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), in Worcester, MA, to study engineering. Like his mother who gave piano lessons for added income during the Depression, Robert utilized his musical background to perform with several local dance bands, (including the “Boyntonians.)” In 1944, Robert’s studies were interrupted by World War II. He volunteered in the United States Navy where he was active duty from 1944 to 1946. There he studied electronics and graduated from the U.S. Navy’s submarine school with the rank of ETM3c (Electronic Technician’s Mate) in January, 1946. He schooled at NTC Great Lakes, IL; NTSCH Michigan City, IN; NTC (EE& RM) Gulfport, MS; NTSCH Navy Pier Chicago, IL, and PSC Lido Beach, Long Island, NY. While at Great Lakes Naval Training Station Robert volunteered for the drum and bugle corps. Robert’s first assignment was the submarine USS Cero, a Gato-class submarine in drydock for overhaul at New London, CT, and then on the USS Balao, the lead ship of the Balao-class of submarines based out of Portsmouth, NH. On the USS Balao, Robert worked in communications (the wireless room), which included the ship’s radar. In his free time aboard ship, Robert took correspondence courses through the United States Armed Forces Institute. The USS Balao patrolled the Atlantic looking for Japanese subs until the cessation of war with the surrender of Japan in August of 1945. On June 15, 1946 Robert was honorably discharged at the U.S.N. Personnel Separation Center in Lido Beach, Long Island, NY. (Incidentally, the USS Balao later enjoyed stardom in 1959 when it was featured as the pink-painted submarine in the Cary Grant comedy Operation Petticoat while based out of Key West. It returned to full service until it was later decommissioned in 1963). In June, 1946, Robert re-enlisted with the Navy, (inactive status) and was honorably discharged a second time on June 15, 1950 at Hdqtrs 1ND, Boston, Massachusetts. Robert was the recipient of the American Theatre Medal and the Victory Medal for his active service. Upon discharge, Robert returned to Worcester Polytechnic Institute to complete his studies. At the conclusion of his fifth year, Robert graduated with two degrees, one in mechanical engineering; the other electrical engineering. Robert’s electronic education by the U.S. Navy and engineering degrees from Worcester Tech paved the way for a multi-storied career in robotics, styling, research and design and inventions. His first job and first patent was while at General Motor’s styling section for a “rain switch” which, when activated, automatically raised the top of a parked convertible. He also designed the “The Rocket” hood ornament for the 1951 Oldsmobile. He achieved four other patents, as well. It was while at GM that Robert was awarded another patent for his “electrically heated automotive seat,” which he had filed on April 30, 1951. With the Harrison Radiator Division of General Motors, Robert worked on some of the first robots for use with assembly lines (nine patents). From GM, Robert went to Whirlpool where he was manager of manufacturing engineering at the St. Paul division (eight patents). After Whirlpool, Robert was back into product design as manager of product engineering for Black & Decker’s line of industrial power tools (six patents). He later worked at HK Porter, (19 patents) and then as director of engineering at Hurst-Campbell (six patents). When that company dissolved, Robert was often a consultant. Robert’s remaining career included work with such companies such as Polaroid (two patents); Barnstead Company, a division of Sybron Corporation (two patents), and Ingersoll Rand and Controls Corporation of America (five patents), a subsidiary of the Singer Corporation. Nearing retirement, Robert located to St. Louis, MO, where he was frequently hired as a consultant, and where he remained the rest of his life. In St. Louis Robert enjoyed an abundance of plays, concerts and art exhibits. He was renowned for a ready wit and many jokes. His other hobbies included bridge and square dancing. Robert was a proud resident of St. Louis’ Central West End since the mid-1970s. He enjoyed going to the St. Louis Symphony with friends, was an avid bridge player, a devotee of square dancing, and a member of a local writing club. He was a past member the Unitarian Church and attended Metropolitan Community Church, both of the Central West End. Robert is survived by four daughters, Nancer, Susan, Patricia and Kathy, grandchildren and extended family. A son, Robert Lewis Ballard, Jr., predeceased him, as well as Frances Ballard (nee Henson) and brother Richard Ballard. A companion and loved one, Henry Bay, Jr., of St. Louis, Missouri, also predeceased him. His cousins Dorothy Herold and Robert Young survive, as well as many loved ones and friends in St. Louis. There will be no funeral.