Richard Laverne Ball

Richard Laverne Ball, age 87, of Lennon, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. A funeral ceremony will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. Pastor Todd Evans will officiate. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Vernon. Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sunday, July 27 at the funeral home, and again on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of service.

Richard was born on May 9, 1938, in Owosso, the son of the late Robert and Ruby (Willard) Ball. He graduated from Durand High School, Class of 1956. After high school, Richard enlisted in the United States Army Reserves, serving honorably until his discharge in 1963. He continued his education at GMI in Flint and began his apprenticeship in skilled trades. Richard went on to work for General Motors, where he spent 36.4 years as a machine and tool repairman in Skilled Trades until his retirement in 1993.

On September 19, 1959, he married the love of his life, Leanna Matechek, in Corunna. Together they built a loving life and raised four children. Richard was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who cherished family dinners and celebrations, especially birthdays and holidays. His favorite holidays were Christmas and Halloween, when he expressed his creativity through elaborate yard decorations that drew visitors from near and far.

Richard had a passion for John Deere tractors, farming, gardening, and his orchards. He proudly sold his produce at the Owosso and Durand Farmers Markets. His hobbies included collecting model cars and tractors, and he loved playing shuffleboard during winters spent in Arizona. One of his proudest achievements was winning the Lost Dutchman Trophy.

He is survived by his loving wife, Leanna Ball; his children: Richard (Hope) Ball, Robin Carlsen, Tracy (Angel) Ball, and Kelly (Bob) Hopton; grandchildren: Marie (Jeffrey) Sawade, Robert Ball, Justin Ball, Brandon Hopton, Heidi Hardwick, and Heather Shepherd; great-grandchildren: Alaina and Austin Sawade, Gracelynn Ball, Cassandra, Haley, Carter, Mckenzie, Briley, and Braydin; three great-great-grandchildren; and his sister, Ruth Ann Ball.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Ball, and sister-in-law, Raylene Ball. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com