David Bourke Ball
August 22, 1937 – October 10, 2012
David B. Ball passed away at Saint John’s Hospital, Wednesday after a long battle with prostate cancer. He was born in Marion, IN to George Leavon and Minnie Malvania Bourke Ball, both of whom are deceased.
He is survived by his wife, Hester (Click) Ball and children; Dr. Mark D. Ball of Chicago, Lori A. Ball (Dr. Lisa Hicks) of Indianapolis, Tracy L. (Angelo) Deogracias of Indianapolis, and Mitchell L. Ball of Jeffersonville; grandson Zachary D. (Jill) Ball and great granddaughter, Jordyn M. Ball of South Dakota, and brother Dan (Becky) Ball of Anderson. Other survivors include several in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and many very special friends.
David was a member of Park Place Church of God in Anderson, IN, and Bayside Church of God in Clearwater, FL.
David graduated from Anderson High School in 1955 and received his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts from Purdue University in 1959. He worked at Howe Fire Apparatus and then Guide Lamp, a division of General Motors, for 31 years as an industrial engineer.
David was a consummate volunteer. He enjoyed helping to transform the old Park Place elementary school into a community outreach center. His caring for others was demonstrated in the 1980s through his work in the St. John’s Hospice program. During this time, he ministered to AIDS patients early in the epidemic.
David served as Music Director at Park Place United Methodist Church. His love for music was evidenced in his mastery of the trombone, his playing other brass instruments and the piano, his piano-tuning hobby, and his singing solo and in duets and choruses with Hester.
He enjoyed card games with friends, facilitating good conversation, golfing, finding good cafeterias and taking road trips with Hester.
He is remembered by many as: “a real gentleman who put others before himself,” “a precious friend,” “a most remarkable man,” “one who projected joy,” “kind, loving, gentle father,” and “an example of unwavering faith.”
Special thanks go to Dr. Jenelle Miller and staff (Hematology-Oncology of Indiana) and his ICU nurse, Kim, and the entire medical staff at St. John’s.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Indianapolis or Anderson University (Hester Click Ball Endowed Scholarship Fund).
Celebration of life service will be held on Monday, October 15, 2012 at 10am at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service in Anderson, 229 S. Rangeline Rd. Visitation will be Sunday 1pm – 5pm (EDT) at the funeral home.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.