Charles Ball

Charles Edward Ball, 87, went home to his heavenly Father June 22, 2022.

Charlie was born September 25, 1934, to James E. and Esther (Farris) Ball in Miles City, MT. This marriage did not last long and at the age of 5, his father married Hannah (Johnson) Ball in Forsyth. Their marriage added three more boys – James and twins Ron and Don - to the family.

Charlie was a hard worker from a young age. He eventually moved down to Corpus Christi, TX as a young man, where he found various jobs along the waterfront, working on barges and shrimp boats and eventually large touring boats in the bay. During those early years, he realized a tremendous love of music – particularly opera and musical theater – thanks to his friend and mentor, Joe Bell. While working, he began to try out for local theater opportunities, taking voice lessons to improve his natural tenor voice and dreaming of a musical career. He joined a church, went back to school, sang in choirs at both church and school, and even sang in a local performance of Kiss Me Kate. He would graduate from W.B. Ray High School at the age of 20. This was during the Korean War, so a few months later he enlisted into the US Army where he would serve 2 years in both Korea and Japan. Initially trained and serving in artillery, it was ironic that he was pulled for a special forces group to entertain the troops, and served in this capacity for the rest of his enlistment.

It was in Sendai, Japan where Charles met the love of his life, Etsuko Takahashi. Etsuko worked at the PX (Post Exchange) on the base. She had also studied piano and voice and had won some awards at several singing contests with her big voice. Charlie and Etsuko dated for a little over one year and were married on May 2, 1957.

Charlie was honorably discharged from the Army on September 30, 1957. After his hitch in the Army, he moved back to Texas (Houston) where he would eventually work many years for a Japanese Trading company in the International Steel business. During this time, he and Etsuko were blessed with 3 boys Mark, David, and John. Charlie then started his own company selling oil-field pipe in the international market. He would travel extensively in this industry, as well. Over the years, he made many friends worldwide, most of which he was still in regular contact with.

Charlie was a very active person, both physically and mentally. He was an avid golfer for most of his life. If he wasn't playing the game, he was watching it. After retiring, he and Etsuko moved to Colorado to escape the heat and humidity commonly found in Texas. There he became a big snow skier. He joined and took a leadership role in the “Over the Hill Gang” skiing club, taking ski trips to many different parts of the world (Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, etc.). He enjoyed sailing boats, starting when he was just a teenager in Corpus Christi (he learned how to sail when he migrated from Montana to Texas). Later in his life he would own another sailboat that he thoroughly enjoyed. He liked to fish. His biggest thrill was catching a 7' marlin. He had it mounted and displayed it on the wall for many years. Charlie also took part in his sons' Boy Scout troop, leading the Troop as Scoutmaster and also going on a high mountain hike in the Sangre de Cristo mountains of New Mexico.

After living in both Grand Junction and Thornton Colorado, they moved to California (Murietta) when the cold weather became too much for Etsuko. In 2007, after 50 years of marriage, Etsuko lost her battle with cancer.

After Etsuko's death, Charlie met Shirley Waller through the Cancer-support group. They would eventually marry. They enjoyed long walks together with their dog Buster. Charlie and Shirley were together for 14 years until her recent death.

Charlie left California this past May and returned to his home state of Montana. He got an apartment at Westpark Village in Billings. He was the happiest man as he had returned to his roots, able to visit with his brothers, Jim and Ron and their families, son Mark and his family view the beautiful countryside, and dream of his next adventures.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and both wives.

He is survived by two brothers: Jim (Fran) and Ron (Sheila), sons Mark (Theresa), David, and John, five grandchildren: Karen (Brandon) Moore, Daniel, Eric, Sarah (Andrew) Smith, and Andrew, five great-grandchildren: Carter, Hagen, Witten, Jaxon and Atticus, former daughters in law Elizabeth and Pam, his cousin Virgil Farris, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. From his favorite musical, Les Misérables: “Bring Him Home.”

A funeral service will be held July 5th, 2:00 PM at Dahl's Funeral Chapel. Burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.