Donald “Don” Lee Ball

Donald “Don” Lee Ball, 73, of Blue Springs, MO, passed away peacefully at his home on January 21, 2022.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Morris Ball, of Blue Springs, MO; his son, James A. Ball (Stella), of Burbank, CA; his step-children, Andrew M. Ackley (Christine) of Lone Jack, MO, and Patricia Ackley Smith (Jason) of Independence, MO; and his grandchildren, Samuel M. Ackley (Abigail), of Pleasant Hill, MO, Claire M. Ackley of Lone Jack, MO, and Jessica M. Smith of Independence, MO.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Aubrey Hardin Ball and Inez Beck Ball.

Don was born on November 4, 1948, in Evanston, IL, and at age five, his family moved to the Los Angeles suburb of Sunland, CA, where he attended Verdugo Hills High School, and first fell in love with his wife, Becky. In 1970, he graduated summa cum laude with a bachelors of science degree in mechanical engineering from U.C.L.A. He then pursued a 35-year career as a fire protection engineer until his retirement in 2006.

In 1977, he married Sandra Burnett, and in 1982, they welcomed a son, James Aubrey Ball, who was the most important person in Don’s life. In 2002, Don reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Becky, and moved to Missouri to marry her four years later.

In addition to being a devoted husband, father and grandfather, Don had a multitude of interests and hobbies. Most notable were pursuing his childhood dreams of building and operating a model railroad and restoring antique cars. He was also an avid researcher, published historian, voracious reader and frequent traveler.

He loved spending time with friends and family, sharing his optimism and joy with all around him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at the Woods Chapel Community of Christ Church, 500 NE Woods Chapel Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064.

Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.