Douglas Wayne Ball

Douglas Wayne Ball a former Manhattan resident passed away late Saturday at Centerpoint Hospital Independence, MO surrounded by his beloved family. He fought hard but finally his huge heart gave out. Doug loved to hunt, fish and spend time with his large extended family. He was a proud girl dad and happily raised 4 daughters with his wife Jeri of 48 years. Over the years he traveled extensively and made sure he tried out fishing in Hawaii, Ireland, Key West, Canada and Alaska. Doug learned to cut meat when he was playing football in college at Ottawa University and he continued to work as a butcher for over 47 years until he recently became ill.

Over the years he also enjoyed coaching girls traveling softball. He helped his daughters become excellent pitchers and catchers! He spent many an evening sitting on a bucket having softballs thrown at him. Growing up and experiencing 4H he believed that it was a very significant attribute to success and he encouraged and facilitated his girls participation in 4H. He lived in Manhattan and farmed the family farm for over 19 years. After his daughters were grown he lived in Minnesota for 13 years where he was able to fish year round. He hooked a fish house up to his snowmobile in the winter and off he went to go ice fishing.

Doug was a big football fan and his favorite team was the Denver Broncos. Recently he was able to attend a game at Arrowhead with tickets on the first row 40 yard line visitors side to watch his beloved Broncos lose to the Chiefs. Even though his team lost he loved being so close to the action and his favorite team.

Doug’s great passion was his family. He loved to spend time with his 4 daughters, 4 son in laws, 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandson. In 1976 Doug married his high school sweet heart Geradine (Jeri) Kloppe and they remained happily married for 48 years.

His laughter and passion for life will be greatly missed by his family. He is survived by his wife Jeri of 48 years, 4 daughters and their spouses Cassidi and Russell Green, Adam and Nina Jenks, Mike and Corrin Tanking and Brian and Chelsie Langvardt, as well as his mother Bertha Ball, and 2 brothers and their spouses Ed and Barbara Ball, and Don and Terri Ball. His 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandson will miss him greatly.