Lawrence Wilson “Larry” Ball
Lawrence Wilson “Larry” Ball, age 85, of Shelby, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Crestline Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Crestline, Ohio.
Larry was born April 17, 1940 in Hiram, OH, the son of the late George and Pauline (Smith) Ball, he had been a lifelong Shelby resident moving to Shelby when he was an infant. Throughout his working life he had been employed at AMF in Shelby and Shafer Valve in Ontario, later retiring from Phillips Manufacturing in Shelby. Following his retirement, something he truly enjoyed was transportation for his Amish and Mennonite friends.
A true Shelby Whippet football fanatic, he was honored at the game on Friday, September 26, 2003, for fifty consecutive years of never missing a matchup. For the first time, he watched the game from the press box and was presented with the game ball. He would be so proud to know that he went out on a winning, undefeated season, and he would certainly be shouting, “Go Whippets!” He also thoroughly enjoyed Ohio State football, tractor pulling, and collecting antique tractors.
Larry is survived by his children: Tom Ball of Willard, OH, Tammy (Doug) Lucius of Crestline, OH, and Tonya Ball Garofalo of Shelby, OH; grandchildren: Alaina (Erik) Montgomery, Brennan Moore (Ivy Ramey), Andrew Ball, Aaron Ball, Blake (Madeleine) Lucius, and Lauren Garofalo (Cameron Hamilton); great grandchildren: Dahlia Moore and Koe Hamilton; sister: Lois Hutchinson of Shelby; his first wife and mother of his children: Louise Ball; and other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by wife of 31 years, Deborah A. (Melick) Ball, on August 29, 2016; sister and brother-in-law: Faye and Robert Kleer; brother-in-law: David Hutchinson; maternal grandparents: Charles and Barbara (Weaver) Smith; maternal great grandparents: Fred and Sarah (Poffenbaugh) Weaver; and paternal grandparents: Fay and Rosella (King) Ball.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff of both Crestline Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Pathways Hospice for their devoted care and compassion shown to Larry.
Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 from 11 am- 1 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will immediately follow at 1 pm. Rev. Dr. Russel Yoak, Pastor of Shelby First Lutheran Church, will officiate the services. Guests are encouraged to wear their Shelby Whippet or Ohio State gear in honor of Larry. Larry will be buried with his parents at Oakland Cemetery, Shelby.
In honor of Larry, contributions be made to the Shelby Whippet Athletic Boosters, c/o Cathy Dodge, 145 Mansfield Avenue, Apt. #7, Shelby, Ohio 44875.
Condolences may be left on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
I’m sad to learn of Larry’s passing. He was a SHS classmate and buddy. I was pleased to have visited him at Crestwood-Shelby on his 85th birthday. He liked the 85 Whippets hat I gifted him because he was a BIG WHIPPET fan for decades. His family loved him and will miss him, but he’s Glory Bound now.
Col Bob Cassity, SHS’59
Host, 2025 Casual Class Reunions
So very sorry for your loss . Sending prayers to your family.
Sorry for your loss.I always enjoyed talking to him, mainly about people in the Settlement. Respectfully Karl Sutter
My condolences and prayers go out to Larry’s family. I enjoyed him has a resident at the nursing home. He was sweet and funny. He doted on his family.
We will miss Larry at Crestline. He was always so fun and made us laugh every day.. especially his go Shelby… I will personally miss our date days when he would pick out his outfit (which always included a Shelby shirt) my thoughts and prayers go out to each and everyone..
I’m sorry for your loss. Prayers that the memories you made help comfort you at this time.
Sending love & peace during this time of great loss! Hugs friend!