Earl R. "Pete" Ball

Earl R. "Pete" Ball, age 93, of Battle Creek, died peacefully at his home on Friday morning, April 28, 2017. Pete was born on December 24, 1923 in Bellevue, MI and was the son of Jesse C. and Mildred E. (Cooley) Ball. Pete worked at Grand Trunk Railroad and retired from the Kellogg Co. in 1987 after more than 47 years of service. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, working on small engines, helping other people, and spending time with his family.

On June 18, 1944, in Battle Creek, Pete was united in marriage to Phyllis L. Daly; she sadly preceded him in death on March 18, 2009. He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl P. (James) Craft of Battle Creek; his son, Gary R. (Jackie) Ball of Holland, MI; two grandsons, Matthew E. and Jeffrey A. Ball; his great- granddaughters, Meghan K. Ball, Emma Ball, and a great-grandson Ryan Ball; his sister, Anne Blose of Florida. Pete was also preceded in death by his parents, Jesse C. Ball and Mildred (Maurice) Burrett; his grandson, Tony on February 4, 2007; and his brothers, Harold, Neil, Clare Ball, and sister, Alice Thompson.

The family will receive friends 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 2nd at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Funeral services to celebrate Pete's life will be held 1:30 p.m., Tuesday in the chapel at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Pete's honor may be made to Great Lakes Caring Hospice. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.