MYRTLE BEACH, SC - John Wendell Ball, age 68, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and formerly of East Liverpool, Ohio, surrounded by his loving and adoring family, went home to be with our Lord Sunday September 2, 2018 following a courageous two year battle with multiple myeloma.

The son of Harold H. and Twyla M. Ball, he was a graduate of East Liverpool High School and a very proud member of the ELHS Class of 1967. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Labor Relations from Youngstown State University in 1988 as well as an Associate in Science in Law Enforcement from Kent State University in 1975. His professional career, among other positions, included service with the East Liverpool Police Department, various roles with Penn Power in Beaver County, Township Clerk for Liverpool Township and over 15 years as Supervisor of Transportation for East Liverpool City Schools.

Drafted into service in the United States Army, he was a veteran of the Vietnam War where he served from May 1969 to December 1970. After a brief period at Cam Rahn Bay he served at Military Service Command Vietnam (MACV) in Saigon as Senior Message Router Specialist Four in the 160th Signal Brigade. When his country called, he served honorably and he will forever be remembered as part of the historic generation of young American men and women who heroically served the United States of America in that conflict.

Upon his return to the United States, he married Brenda Ball (Schneider) on October 6th, 1973, selflessly loving, serving and honoring her for 44 years. They would have four children to which John was wholeheartedly devoted to every single day of his life.

John simply brought a spark to life that was evident to everyone who knew him. A kind and gentle man who defined generosity, honesty and integrity, he always found joy in life regardless of its hardships.

John’s family wishes to thank Dr. Ashley Rosko, MD and the entire staff at The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute in Columbus, Ohio, as well as members of the East Liverpool and Myrtle Beach communities who have offered so much support and love.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister Joanne Elizabeth Hetzer (Ball), his maternal grandparents John F. “Popo” and Alice Cooper, and his paternal grandparents Wendell Philip Jr. and Bessie Hazel Ball.

He is survived by his wife and devoted caretaker, Brenda Ball and four proud children: Erin Hanselman and husband, Scott, of East Liverpool, Ohio; Matthew Ball and wife, Laura, of Spring Hill, Tennessee; Andrew Ball and wife, Lyndsay, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Dr. Susan Robertson and husband, Adam, of New Albany, Ohio. Also by two siblings: Harold Ball and wife Carla of Woodbine, Maryland and Barbara Jeffries and husband Thomas of East Liverpool, Ohio.

John deeply loved his growing family of grandchildren: Addyson Ball, Liam Ball, Hannah Hanselman, Anderson Ball, Elyse Robertson, Lucy Robertson and Anastasia Ball (due in January 2019).

Friends may visit Friday afternoon and evening at the Dawson Funeral Home where the family will be present from 3 to 8 p.m. Pastor Larry Rose will conduct a funeral service Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Riverview Cemetery where the Tri-State Veterans Burial Group will conduct military honors.

Following the service, friends and family will gather at the Northside Community Church for fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the East Liverpool High School Alumni Association 216 E. 4th Street, East Liverpool Ohio and to Hope Hollow, P.O. Box 141423, Columbus, Ohio 43214, which provides needed assistance to cancer patients and their loved ones who travel to Columbus for treatment.