David Lee Ball

Former Moran, Kansas resident David Lee Ball passed away Sunday, October 30, 2016, at his home in El Dorado, Kansas, surrounded by his family following a lengthy illness. He was 87 years old. David was born Oct. 24, 1929 in Iola, Kansas, the son of Clint and Romolia Modesta (Arbuckle) Ball. He grew up in Iola and attended Iola schools and Iola Junior College. David worked in construction before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1950. He was honorably discharged in 1954. He worked 12 years for Boeing Airplane Co. while also serving in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He returned to active duty in 1966 and retired from the Navy in 1982. He was a member of the SEABEES throughout his military career, serving in both Korea and Vietnam conflicts. His service included Korea, Aleutian Islands, Philippine Islands, Vietnam, Okinawa, Spain, Bermuda and Puerto Rico. After retiring he moved to rural Moran and was employed with Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center as a Substance Abuse Counselor for 8 years. David married Shirley Mae Yocum of Moran, Kansas in 1957 in Wichita, Kansas. David is preceded in death by a sister Reta Langeneckert, half-sister Ileen Collins and 2 half-brothers Ivan and Merle Ball. David is survived by wife Shirley Ball of El Dorado, KS, son Steve Ball of Temecula, CA, daughter LeAna L. Ball Mitchell of El Dorado, KS, five grandchildren Erica Vega of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Michelle Sotelo of Wildomar, CA, Jeremy Mitchell, Tiffany Mitchell, and Jackson Mitchell all of El Dorado, KS and 9 great-grandchildren. David was a member of the American Legion, the Fleet Reserve Association, Seabee Memorial Scholarship Association and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, 2016, at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service in Iola, with visitation prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Moran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggest to the Kansas Veterans' Home, 1220 WWII Memorial Drive, Winfield, KS 67156-1220. Go to www.feuerbornfuneral.com to leave a condolence online.