Ball, Donald L. October 22, 1927 - May 20, 2016

Donald Ball was born on October 22, 1927 at home in rural Osceola, MO on what was known as the Lease Land to Virgil and Mary (Hall) Ball. He attended Red Rock and Chalk Level elementary schools until through the sixth grade. Donald worked in a rock quarry in St. Joseph, MO at an early age of fifteen. He also worked at Quaker Oats and Armor Packing House in St. Joseph, MO. Later in life after overcoming some of his handicaps he worked at a cattle auction in Osceola, MO. He lived in the Osceola area most of his life except for a year in California with his family as a toddler and a year in Nodaway, MO. He was a lover of horses and always had a team or more. He used them to work in the field, haul wood and logs and hay. He lived to go on trail rides with friends and always went on the Butterfield Wagon Train conducted by Ted Sink. He made new friends on them. He also did some coon hunting. As a young man he overcame some major illnesses that almost killed him, such as polio, palsy, Parkinson disease and jaundice. Also in 2001 he survived a semi truck and team and wagon wreck in Highway 13 bridge with David Drake along. He had three brothers, Lester, Ray and Russel, four sister, Bessie Lucille, Eugenia and Mildred which are all deceased. His parents also preceded him in death. Donald is survived by his nephew, Elbie Ball who was raised as a brother, several nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces; great great nephews and nieces and several friends.