Walter Lee Ball, 85, of O'Kean passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at his home.

He was born November 7, 1938, in O'Kean to the late Walter and Sadie Lee Lairson Ball.  On May 25, 1959, Walter was married to Janice Fern Ricker.  Walter worked as a mechanic, a construction worker, and retired as a maintenance worker at Douglas Quikut.  He enjoyed deer hunting, spending time at his cabin, riding motorcycles, fishing, and watching western movies.

Walter was involved in many areas of his community.  He served on the O'Kean Town Council, O'Kean Volunteer Fire Department, and was a member of O'Kean Church of Christ.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Sadie Ball; grandson, Nathaniel Fairbanks; great granddaughter, Jersey Bridgeman; brother, Roger Dale Ball; brother-in-law, Bill Deatherage; and sisters in law, Shirley Ball and Rose Ball.

Walter is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Janice Fern Ball; son, Lee Ball (Barb Summers) of O'Kean; daughter, Vickie (Rocky) Price of Bella Vista; five grandchildren, Daniel Ball (Jennifer Breeden) of O'Kean, Neil Summers of Farmington, Joey Ball of Walnut Ridge, DesaRae Price of Bella Vista, and Dustin Fairbanks; seven great grandchildren; five brothers, Alton (Mary) Ball of O'Kean, David Ball of Walnut Ridge,  Ray Ball of O'Kean, Joe (Joyce) Ball of Cherokee Village, and V.J. Ball of Cherokee Village; sister, Blanche Deatherage of O'Kean; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 10 AM – 12 PM in the chapel of McNabb Funeral Home with a funeral service beginning at 12 PM with Wiley Watson officiating.  Burial will follow in Pirtle Cemetery at Peach Orchard.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Vance Ball, Billy Deathridge, Al Ball, Phillip Rothe, Matt Kopp and Jeffrey Ball.

Honorary pallbearer is Jamie Hill.

All services are under the direction of McNabb Funeral Home.