John Nelson Ball

He leaves his wife of 57 years, Joyce (Beatty) Ball; his son John Anthony Ball; his daughter Jeanne (Ball) Whitley (Nick Dohr); granddaughter Candace Lesh (Ryan and Grace) and dog Lizzie – all of St. Louis, MO. Also brother Chuck (Betty) Ball of Mexico, MO; sister Mary Lou (Kenny) Tiller of Fulton, MO; and brother-in-law James (Linda) Beatty of Kansas City, MO along with nieces, nephews, grandpups, his KRCC family and many friends.

He is preceded in death by parents Lebbius Mac and Elizabeth Sue (Field) Ball and daughter Jane Ann Ball.

John was born and raised in Mexico, MO, where he started out as a paperboy at the Mexico Ledger. After graduating from Mexico High School (class of 1956), he served in the Army and worked at the Missouri Highway Department. John went on to get his Bachelors in Theology from Central Christian College. From there he ministered at several Christian Churches including Friendship CC (Centralia, MO), Hayscreek CC (MO), Waterloo CC (IA), South Telegraph CC (St Louis, MO), Eminence CC (MO), Oak Grove CC (MO), Callao CC (MO) and Lakeview CC (St Louis, MO). He was also a charter member of Kentucky Road CC in Mexico, Mo. After retiring from the ministry, he worked at Ouellete Machinery and was a chaplain at Des Peres Hospital. He also took a lot of pride in being a Jefferson County Election Judge for many years.

John had a passion for his faith and family and tried to witness to that until the very end. He enjoyed watching the Cardinals play, attending Kirkwood Road Christian Church, sharing stories with friends and playing with his grandpups. He will be missed!

Arrangements include: Visitation on Thursday, October 27, 2016 from 4-8:00 PM at Gerber Funeral Home at 23 W Lockwood Ave. in Webster Groves, MO and Funeral Service on Friday, October 28, 2016 at 10:00 AM at Kirkwood Road Christian Church, 529 N. Kirkwood Road in Kirkwood, MO.

Memorial donations may be made to Kirkwood Road Christian Church, Stray Rescue of St Louis or Kentucky Road Christian Church.