John D. Ball
Memorial visitation for John D. Ball, 78, Lawrence, will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Warren-McElwain Mortuary. Mr. Ball died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, in rural Douglas County.He was born June 30, 1930, in Lost Springs, the son of Joseph Harrison and Laura Bowlbe Ball.Mr. Ball enlisted in the Navy during the Korean War and trained as an air traffic controller. He followed his naval service with a 38-year career in air traffic control, highlighted by a position as an assistant chief at Oakland Center. He later retired as supervisor of the Livermore, Calif., Airport.He enjoyed hunting, fishing and outdoor activities; conversing and telling stories; driving a school bus for the Lawrence school district; and traveling with his wife.Mr. Ball married his wife, Carol, on June 29, 1982, in Reno, Nev. She survives, of the home.Other survivors include a son, Brian, Springfield, Mo.; three daughters, Angela Ball, Oakland, Calif., Holly Bohardt, Lawrence, and Julie Elston, Woodbridge, Va.; a sister, Barbara Murry, Grain Valley, Mo.; two brothers, Harrison, Federal Way, Wash., and Larry, Metairie, La.; and seven grandchildren, Elizabeth, Amy, John, Emily, William, Angelica and Alycia.The family suggests memorials to Big Brothers & Big Sisters, sent in care of the mortuary.Online condolences may be sent at warrenmcelwain.com, subject: Ball.