John Ford Ball
U. S. Army
World War II

John Ford Ball was born on 23 March 1914 in Baltimore, MD. He was the son of John Edward and Mary Helen (Burker) Ball.

John was a veteran of the Normandy Invasion during World War II. He was in the 110th Field Artillery of the 29th Division.

While working for the railroad, he met and married Jane Hussey, who taught him his job. During the early years of their marriage they owned a farm. He worked for many years at the plastics plant in Odenton. In his spare time he enjoyed working on his home. When he was younger he had enjoyed boating on the Severn River.

In September 1988, John and Jane went to Normandy, France to see the dedication of the memorial for the 29th Division on Omaha Beach. They enjoyed their trip and on the way home to Arizona, John said he wanted to see his sister one more time before he died. They visited his sister, Raye Lusk, and while they were in the car on their way to the airport to return to Arizona, John suffered a massive heart attack. He died a few days later.

Death and Burial

John Ford Ball died on 5 October 1988 in Baltimore. He was cremated and his ashes scattered in Baltimore.

He was survived by his wife, Jane, two daughters, six grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. He was also survived by his sister, Raye Lusk. He was predeceased by his parents John Edward Ball and Mary Helen (Burker) Ball; and a brother, Irving Elliott Ball.