John Ball

John V. Ball, age 82, of Kalamazoo, MI passed away early Tuesday morning, November 29, 2016. He was born on July 10, 1934 in Sault Ste. Marie, MI, the son of Graydon and Carolyn (DeYoung) Ball. John was a veteran of the United States Army serving during the Korean Conflict. On September 9, 1961, he was united in marriage to Arlene K. Burch. John was employed for many years by Allied Paper until its closing then Plainwell Paper until his retirement in 1990. He was an avid sports fan who loved the Detroit Tigers and University of Michigan Football. John enjoyed bowling, playing cards and golfing, but most of all he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Arlene Ball; their two daughters, Debra Ball-Borton (Rod) and Diane Northrup (Ron); two grandchildren; Amanda and Matthew Northrup; two sisters, Nancy Sawyers (Neil) and Elyse Lamma; sister-in-law, Phyllis Ball; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents; and two brothers, Graydon "Dale" Ball and Harrison "Butch" Ball. Private family services were held at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park Chapel. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to Kalamazoo Humane Society Building Fund. Arrangements were entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes.