David James Ball, age 70, of Kimberling City, Missouri, went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 10, 2026, at Cox South Hospital in Springfield Missouri, with his wife by his side.

He was born on October 28, 1955, in Santa Cruz, California to James Rayford, and Mildred Elaine (Trent) Ball.

David was preceded in death by both of his parents, James and Mildred.

He is survived by his wife Janice Ball of Kimberling City, Missouri; his three stepsons, Mark and Cheryl Tracy of Connecticut, David and Melissa Tracy of Connecticut, and Daniel and Jessica Friday of Kimberling City, Missouri; his sister, Joylene and Daniel Hegel of Colorado; his eight grandchildren, Brianna, Noah, Benjamin, Isaac, Barrett, Julian, Apollo, and Cassandra; as well his three nephews and one niece; Ethan, Elliot, Evan, and Hannah, along with several other nieces and nephews, and an aunt and several cousins.

David grew up in a Christian home and has loved the Lord all of his life. In his younger days, he enjoyed mountain biking, hiking, and camping with friends and family. He married later in life at age 44 and embraced his stepchildren as his own. He dearly loved his family and was dearly loved in return. After over 40 years with UPS, he retired and he and his wife Janice, their youngest son Dan, his wife, and their then 2 young boys, moved to Kimberling City, Missouri after living in Longmont, Colorado for over 18 years. Shortly after moving, 2 more grandchildren were added to their unified family. He loved having 4 grandchildren living in their home from birth, and he adored them, as they did him. He was better known as “Papa” for the last decade or so and enjoyed passing down his love of gardening to Barrett, the oldest grandson living with him. He enjoyed taking neighborhood walks and getting to know everyone in the neighborhood. His grandsons often accompanied him on his walks, and he truly treasured those times.

Prior to retiring in Missouri, he and his wife were members of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Loveland, Colorado, where they both left many friends and a wonderful pastor and his family. Upon moving to Kimberling City, they transferred their membership to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, where they made many new friends and enjoyed the preaching and community of their new church.

Most recently, he had enjoyed hours of theological discussions with a young neighbor and good friend, and, considering the age difference, were dubbed by his wife as “the odd couple”, since there was nearly a 45 year difference in age.

He loved thrifting and visited all the local thrift stores several times a week. He loved the thrill of a “good bargain”! He also had a wonderful sense of humor and loved puns and loved playful “pun” banter texting with his 2 oldest stepsons back east.

He will be dearly missed by so many. He was a very humble, quiet man who was faithful to his Lord Jesus.

A Visitation will be held at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church on Monday, June 15, 2026, from 10:30-11:00 a.m., And a Funeral Service will be held at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 71 Kimberling Blvd., Kimberling City, on Monday June 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will be at Philibert Cemetery, intersection of Hwy 13 and Joe Bald Road, in Kimberling City, Missouri, following the funeral service.