Thomas Eugene Ball, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, died Wednesday, March 20 at the age of 76.

Thomas was born on June 25, 1947, in Plainwell, Michigan, to Eugene and Martha Ball. He was raised in Martin 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 married to Cheryl (Lana) Ball for 55 years. Together, they raised al 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 in the Army before retiring from General Motors of Grand Rapids. He was a loyal fan of the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers.

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.  He cherished time spent with his family on the water, creating lasting memories on their boat during summer days. 

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, at Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 120 South Woodhams St., Plainwell. A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 27. 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