Les Ball

(From Parker Mortuary)

Leslie Ulyess Ball, age 67, Joplin, passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at his home with family & his best friend Oray Leger at his side.

Leslie was born August 16, 1957, in Joplin, son of the late Earl Louis Ball and Norma Maxine (Gourley) Ball. He grew up in Joplin and graduated from Parkwood High School before enlisting in the United States Navy where he served for 6 years. He then earned a degree in welding from the Welding School of Tulsa and became a Journeyman Welder. This led him to travel the United States working many locations and jobs as a welder.

After retiring, he worked for The Store on 15th St. in Joplin and drove a shuttle bus transporting local truck drivers. He cared for his Mother Norma for decades as her health declined and was remarkably close with her. He was known for his cooking and baking skills and could make a mean pie. He spent many years at Big Sugar with Mark, Randy, and Jill hunting, fishing, swimming, and camping, He also really enjoyed spending quality time with his daughter Heather as well as his Navy friends. Les always found a way to be there for his friends & family in any time of need. He was a loveable hermit that kept his circle small, but he will be missed and mourned by many.

In addition to his parents, Leslie was preceded in death by his brothers, Neal and Lowell, and a sister, Linda, cousins Mark Gourley and Randy Doke, and nephew Jacob Hendrickson.

Survivors include his daughter, Heather Kathrens of Seoul, South Korea; sisters, Jan Ball and Rita Ball both of Joplin; an aunt, Earlene Doke of Joplin; nieces and nephews, Jason Mulkey (Alisha) and their child, Sloane, Jill Mulkey (Jamie Black), Charity Hendrickson, Rachel Harris (James) and children Sarah, Grace, and Evona, Diane Hendrickson and children, Ollie, Gwyneth, Evelyn, and Eleanor, Sidney Cheever (James) and daughter Savannah Baker, Shelby Frias (Leo) and children Eliazar, Nyielle, Norma, and Leeana; cousins, Gary Doke (Pam) and Paul Gourley; best friends, Oray Leger & Todd Anderson.

The family would like to give special thanks to all of the nursing staff that cared for Les during his illness and treatment.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary with private services to take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. This was a cause near & dear to Les’s heart.