Dr. William Howard Ball DVM's Obituary
Dr. William Howard Ball, DVM passed away peacefully on Feb.29, 2020 at Robbinswood Assisted Living Community in Grand Haven.
He was born Aug. 1, 1934 to William and Marie (Howard) Ball of Coopersville. He graduated from Michigan State College of Veterinary Medicine in 1958. That same year he married Jane Carolyn Simms.
With his father, Dr. William Ball Sr, he operated a family veterinary practice in Marne for 40 years. They were also veterinarians for John Ball Zoo for 20 years.
Bill had a lifelong passion for music and playing tuba. He loved entertaining people with several area bands, including the River Rogues and Docs of Dixieland.
He was a volunteer firefighter and paramedic with the Wright Tallmadge Fire Department. He was a Master Mason and a member of the Spring Lake Presbyterian Church.
Bill enjoyed travel throughout the US, card games, fishing, hunting and writing short stories. But his greatest joys were spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by his daughters: Marie Anderson, Brenda (Daniel) Rose, Nancy (Charlie) Nienhouse; his sister in law, Susan Simms; three grandsons; six great grandchildren; nephews, a niece and many cousins. He is also survived by his very special friend, Dorothy Wales of Grand Haven. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Jane; his sister and brother in law, Effie Lou and Eldon Barclay; son in law, Philip Anderson and niece, Sally Barclay.
A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM Friday, March 6, 2020 at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417 with Rev. Daniel Anderson officiating. Visitation will be 5-7 PM Thursday, March 5, 2020 at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Coopersville Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Bill maybe given to Johns Hopkins Myositis Center (www.hopkinsmyositis.org). Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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