Gene Ball 1943-2023

Maurice Eugene “Gene” Ball, 79, of Circleville, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at his home.

He was born Oct. 12, 1943 in Louisville, Ky., the son of Maurice Kincheloe and Lottie (Robbins) Ball.

Before moving to Jackson County in 1984, Gene was an Aviation Ordinance for the United States Navy for more than 21 years, earning the rank of CWO3. Gene and his wife, Fran, lived in many homes all over the U.S. Gene was a lifelong member of the Friendship Baptist Church in Hardinsburg, Ky.

On June 12, 1965, Gene married his wife, Frances Ann Sylvester, in Lewiston, Maine. They had met in March, married in June and celebrated more than 57 years of marriage.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Lottie Ball; and three brothers, William “Bill,” Dwight and Rodney Ball.

Survivors include his wife, Fran, of the home; two sisters, Sue Tate (Gary) and Laurel Critchelow (Buddy), both of Hardinsburg, Ky.; two brothers, James Ball (Kammie) of Evansville, Ind., and Barry Ball (Brenda) of Hardinsburg, Ky.; three sisters-in-law, Collen and Tina Ball and Kay Ball Allen; and many nieces and nephews.

Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Friendship Baptist Church in Hardinsburg, Ky., sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

(PAID OBITUARY)