Thomas "Tom" Eugene Ball

In Loving Memory of Thomas Eugene Ball - June 25, 1947 - March 20, 2024

Thomas Eugene Ball, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on March 20, 2024, at the age of 76, leaving a void in the hearts of all who knew him.

Thomas was born on June 25, 1947, in Plainwell, Michigan, to Eugene and Martha Ball. He was raised in Martin, Michigan, and is survived by his siblings Judith Barden-Nash, Ted and Linda Clark, and Kathryn and Eugene Meert. His brother Robert Clark preceded him in death.

Thomas was the loving husband and soulmate of Cheryl (Lana) Ball for 55 wonderful years. Together, they raised a beautiful family and created countless memories with their children: Steven Thomas Ball and Kimber Johns, Brian Patrick Ball, and Darin Curtis Ball. Thomas was a devoted grandfather to Steven Tagg, Maddison (Derek) Lafountain, Adam (Ciara) Ball-Blais, Lindsay “Lindsay-Kate” Ball, Kaitlyn Ball, Lana Ball, Anthony “AJ” Ball, Christian Ball, and Charlotte Ball.

After graduating from Plainwell High School in 1965, Thomas served his country with honor in the Army before retiring from General Motors of Grand Rapids, MI. He was a loyal fan of the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers, always cheering on his favorite teams.

Thomas had a passion for building scale model RC airplanes and loved flying them for his children and grandchildren. He spent many seasons as a baseball coach for Pinery Park Little League, coaching teams for his sons as well as many other young athletes in Wyoming, Mi.  He cherished time spent with his family on the water, creating lasting memories on their boat during summer days. 

A true family man, Thomas and Cheryl welcomed family and friends into their home with an open-door policy: hosting card parties, movie nights, and gatherings for loved ones to come together and share laughter and joy.

Funeral services for Thomas Eugene Ball will be held at Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 120 South Woodhams St., Plainwell, MI 49080. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held the following day, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Tom will be laid to rest at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego, MI following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Corewell Health Foundation West Michigan. You can give online  at specrumhealthfoundation.org/tributegiving or in person at the funeral home.

Thomas will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his unwavering love, infectious smile, and his dedication to making others happy. May he rest in peace, knowing he was cherished by many and that he will be forever loved.

 While visiting Tom’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.