Obituary of Karl R. Ball

Karl R. Ball 81, of Girard passed away Friday afternoon, December 13, 2013, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, IL. Karl was born March 11, 1932, at his parents' home in rural Girard, IL, a son of Francis Howard and Ferol Hazel (Staley) Ball. Karl graduated from Girard High School, class of 1950. He married his wife of 60 years, Jean M. Groth on April 10, 1953, in Sappington, MO. Karl served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard. Karl farmed in Girard his lifetime, and also worked as a coal miner for Monterey in Carlinville and Freeman Coal (Crown I) in Farmersville, until he retired in 1989. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Girard. Karl was a member of the Virden Masonic Lodge 161 for 43 years. Surviving are his wife, Jean M. Ball of Girard; daughter, Karla Ball of Girard; 5 sons, Kim (Connie) Ball of Virden, Kenneth (Patricia) Ball of Show Low, AZ, Kevin Ball of Los Angeles, CA, William A. Ball of Luling, TX, and Keith (Ildiko) Ball of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Also surviving; one sister, Alys Schlight of Mission, KS, 8 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Karl also leaves behind his loyal companion, Bandit, his dog. Karl was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Howard Ball Jr. Funeral Information Visitation will be Tuesday, December 17, 2013, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home in Girard. Masonic rights will follow the visitation . Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 18, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at the Girard United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Girard Cemetery, where military rights will be conducted. Donations Information Memorials may be made to Girard Fire and Rescue Squad; Girard United Methodist Church; or Girard Food Pantry.