Cecil Ball

Cecil Melvin “Mel” Ball, age 86, of Battle Creek, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2015 at Bronson Battle Creek. He was born March 17, 1928 in Battle Creek, Michigan the son of Leland Meece and Elnora Mae (Kinney) Ball. Mel served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a dental technician aboard the U.S.S. Yosemite. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, he worked in several jobs before going to work at Kellogg’s from where he retired after 32 years. Mel was a member of Convis Union United Methodist Church and was an active volunteer for the Charitable Union. He loved to snowmobile and deer hunt with his family, and was a gifted musician who could play most any instrument. He had played with the Drum and Bugle Corp as well as the Kellogg Orchestra. On August 6, 1955 he was married to the former Mary Ann (Hartel) in Potterville, Michigan, who survives. Also surviving are three children: Rev. Thomas (Kelly) Ball of Cadillac, David (Debra) Ball of Battle Creek and Melanie (Brad) Waite of Ceresco, and five grandchildren: Justin Ball, Jordan Scramlin, Jacob and Sadie Ball and Nathan Waite. Funeral services will be held 12:00 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2015 at Convis Union United Methodist Church, 18990 12 Mile Road. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be given to the church. www.henryfuneralhome.org

---