James Russel Ball, 79, was born Nov. 28, 1923, to Virgil and Mary (Hall) Ball in Hardin. He passed away on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2003, at Sac-Osage Hospital, Osceola.
Russel's family lived a pi¬oneer lifestyle during his early life. His father was a coal digger, so they would travel between northern Missouri and St. Clair County in a covered wagon. When he was a small boy, they traveled in a Model T Ford to Compton, CA, where he attended kindergarten and possibly first grade. They then returned to Missouri, where they ultimately settled just outside Osceola. Russel farmed with his parents and periodically worked at the meat packing houses in St. Joseph.
He was married to Rachel Loveall on May 21, 1960, at a little church near Stockton. To this union was born four sons - Warren, Daniel, Leon and James and one daughter, Diane. They also have a very special foster son, Lewis Cox. During their married life they were foster parents to many children.
Russel ran a small dairy farm after marrying Rachel. He later raised beef cattle, did hay baling, cut wood and made fence posts. Most Thursdays you could find him at the sale barn, buying or selling cows or just visiting with his buddies. He was good with sick cattle and treated many of his friend's cows.
Russel loved running his coonhounds and hunting with his friends and children. He looked forward to coon season each year.
Even after he was unable to hunt, he would sit out¬side and listen to the dogs as the boys hunted nearby.
His greatest joy in life was spending time with his children and grandchildren. Nothing pleased him more than having everyone at home at the same time.
Russel accepted Jesus Christ into his life around age 27 and attended the Lowry City Church of God (Holiness) as long as his health permitted.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers - Lester, Ray and two others who died in infancy; sisters - Lucille Collins, Eugenia Jones, Mildred Sweeney and Bessie Ball.
He is survived by his wife, Rachel, of the home; sons - Warren, Daniel and Leon - Osceola, James and wife, Lora - Deepwater, Lewis and wife, Lisa - Nevada; daughter, Diane Myers and husband Vance - El Dorado Springs; grandchildren - Bryant, Tyler, Daniel, Frankie, Camille, Dalton and Chandler Ball; Darcie, Krysta, Alyssa and Gabriel Myers; Lewis, Jessica and Kristopher Cox; one brother, Donald - Osceola and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and close friends.
Services were held Monday, Jan. 20, at the Lowry City Church of God (Holiness) under the direction of Sheldon-Goodrich Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Elsey officiating. Interment was at the Yeater Cemetery in St. Clair County.
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