Donald W. "Billy" Ball

Donald W. “Billy” Ball, age 91, of Dover, died Saturday, December 16, 2023, in his residence following a period of declining health.

Born on July 27, 1932, in New Philadelphia, Ohio Donald was a son of the late Albert J. Ball and Helen M. Goettge Mathias.

Following his graduation from New Philadelphia High School in 1950, Donald entered into the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country from 1951-1955. On December 27, 1952, Donald married the former Charlotte Miskimen. Together the couple had three children and celebrated nearly 52 years of marriage prior to Charlotte’s passing on October 13, 2004.

Donald spent 37 years as a salesman with Reliable Auto Parts and traveled countless miles on back country roads as he called upon various customers throughout the region. In his later years, those trips became car rides with his family as he reminisced about the many years of customer care and friendship he made. From an early age, Donald enjoyed collecting and trading coins and later ventured out into attending auctions to keep his booth at the Dover Flea Market well stocked with not only coins but collectibles and antiques.

He enjoyed vacations, traveling, and camping as well as spending time with his family, especially coaching his sons in youth baseball leagues. Those who knew Donald knew of his patriotism and how much pride he took in keeping his yard, his flags, and bunting in pristine order around his house. He even spent many years, as part of an Exchange Club Project, placing American flags along the Boulevard and Fourth Street. Among his other hobbies and interests, Donald enjoyed making trips to Wheeling where he played the penny and nickel slot machines.

He is survived by his children, Sandra (Terry) Archer of Dover and Edward (Susan Gallion) Ball of New Philadelphia; a daughter-in-law, Tania Ball of Florida; his grandchildren, Erin (Derek) Patterson, Seth (Taylor) Newton, Amber (fiancé, Daniel Umek) Ball, Donald (Ashley) Ball, III, Jacque Ball, Eddie Ball, and Brittany (Dan) Neff, 13 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents Donald was preceded in death by a son, Donald W. Ball, Jr., and a brother, James L. Ball.

The family will greet guests one hour prior to services on Friday, December 22, 2023, from 10 – 11 AM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover where Pastor Brian Flood will lead a service celebrating Donald’s life at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in the Dover Burial Park where members of the Carl C. Stoller Post 1445 of the New Philadelphia VFW will render military honors. A meal and fellowship will be shared in the Hospitality Room of the Geib Funeral Center following services.