Thomas "Tom" Edward Ball

Thomas Edward Ball, age 84, of Jasper, Missouri passed away September 7, 2024, at Cox Barton County Hospital in Lamar, Missouri. 

Tom was born July 31, 1940 in Carthage, Missouri to Thomas F. Ball and Muriel (Farmer) Ball. He attended the rural Blue School right across the road from his childhood home and later graduated from Jasper High School in 1958. He married the love of his life, Jacque McDonald on November 19, 1960 and were approaching their 64th wedding anniversary at the time of his passing.

 Tom did farm work early in his life, progressing on to heavy equipment work, this started with working with his uncle, Walter Ball before beginning working for Jack McDonald Construction in 1959 in Golden City, Missouri, and then owned by his future father-in-law. He participated in local custom work for local farmers, along with some State and Federal highway work. Tom later bought the business and started his earthwork company in 1990. Through his career, he left his lasting mark upon God's earth by constructing many soil conservation projects such as waterways, terraces, ponds, along with other projects such as clearing brush, constructing building pads, and excavating basements. During varying portions of this time, he was joined by both of his sons working for the business. Tom was also served as president of Jasper Little League Baseball and served on the Jasper School Board, Tom also hosted a country radio show in the mid - late 1970's on WMBH in Joplin, MO. 

Tom always valued each customer he had, as was evident by the repeated work for clients over decades of time. Many days he came home covered in dust, fingernails encrusted with dirt and grease, and smelled of diesel exhaust from the bulldozers and other equipment he operated. But upon returning home, that's where his true priority and love of his life really shined; enjoying time with his family. He so loved being with them and telling the stories of his life, which were all accompanied by the infectious laugh that he had, a laugh that was so unique that anyone who knew him could recognize it from a mile away. He retired in 2013, and spent even more time focusing on his family, and especially being with his wife, who had also retired. He was always so proud of his sons and loved doting on (and spoiling) his granddaughters. Tom will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and loved ones who knew him, but will be welcomed home in Heaven by all those who have gone before him.

Survivors include his wife, Jacqueline "Jacque" Ball of Jasper, MO; two sons, Thomas "Tommy" Ball and wife Jenny of Jasper, MO and Derik Ball of Jasper, MO; two grandchildren, Carly Ball of Park City, Utah and Katie Ball of Jasper, MO; four sisters, Sylvia "Susie" Norwood and husband Wilfred "Buddy" of Carthage, MO, Janice Clements and husband Lyle "Bud" of Jasper, MO., Lois Jean "Jeannie" Crocker of Carthage, MO, and Cathy Long of Nevada, MO, along with many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Jim Crocker.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 12, 2024, at Waters Cemetery in Jasper, MO.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at Daniel Funeral Home in Lamar, MO. 

Contributions are suggested and made payable to Waters Cemetery or St. Jude Children's Hospital in care of Daniel Funeral Home.

 Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com