John R. Ball, Jr., 92, passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2015 in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Ball was born in Austin, Texas, on November 7, 1922, to Alberta and John R. Ball. He graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas and was a member of the Class of 1944 at The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (now Texas A&M University). The entire class of ’44 volunteered for active duty during World War II, and those who returned, graduated in 1947. During the war, Mr. Ball served in the 1696 Engineer Combat Battalion, B Company. He graduated with a BS in Civil Engineering in 1947. Mr. Ball earned his Master’s degree in Municipal and Sanitary Engineering in 1948, receiving the first-ever grant by the Texas AMC Civil Engineering Department for graduate studies. He then enlisted in the Army Reserves and served 25 months in the Combat Engineers, retiring as Captain. He taught in the engineering department at Texas AMC and later taught surveying at Arlington State College, now UTA. He became a Registered Professional Engineer in 1951 and a Registered Public Surveyor in 1956. Mr. Ball then began a long career as an independent consulting engineer in Arlington. Some of his projects included Indian Hills, Shady Valley, The Oaks, and Tiffany Park. Mr. Ball became the first private consulting engineer for Las Colinas and worked to develop all land south of Highway 114. He served six years as an Arlington City Councilman. Mr. Ball enjoyed spending time at his ranch in Jacksboro, Texas, raising Longhorn cattle. He served as President of the Texas Longhorn Breeder’s Association for two years, during which time he conceived and developed the well remembered Texas Longhorn Trail Drive running daily during the 1984 Republican National Convention in Dallas. He had many outdoor interests and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He also delighted in creating carefully engineered welded iron tables for friends and loved ones. His cactus garden and yard art was a source of joy.

Mr. Ball was preceded in death by his two sons, David Rufus Ball and Richard Douglas Ball. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Beverly, of Flower Mound; his daughter Judy Prather (Harold); stepdaughter Allison Caldwell and stepsons Don Caldwell (Terry), Steve Caldwell (Beth), and Scott Caldwell (Nikki); grandchildren Kristin Kell (Scott), Patrick Prather (Rachel), Aaron Ball (Lauren), Shonnie Ball, Hilary Ely (Hervey), Laura Hall (Cade), Nathan Ball, Daniel Caldwell, Cassie Woodlee (Kevin), Sarah Vaughn (Brett), Dylan and Ethan Caldwell, and Bryan and Matthew Caldwell. He was blessed with fourteen great grandchildren.