Darrell Charles Ball

Darrell Charles Ball died peacefully in his sleep on July 15, 2024 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease, thriving through the challenges until the very end with grace and humor.

Born in Ontario, Iowa to Barney and Ethel Ball on October 19, 1941, Darrell was the fifth of their six children and their only son. Known lovingly by his sisters as Butch he graduated from Ames High School and continued his education at Iowa State University graduating with a degree in Engineering Operations in November 1967.

Darrell married the love of his life Elaine Skultety on August 17, 1963. Together they welcomed and raised Darrell's proudest accomplishment their three sons: Rick, Mike, and Dave. He devoted his free time to his sons through coaching various sports, leading Scouts, and teaching his boys how to fish and hunt. From fishing in Canada to road trips throughout the United States - the family enjoyed many adventures.

Although Darrell's career moved the family to many different cities, they returned home to Des Moines in 1978. While Darrell worked for many prominent general construction firms, he was especially proud of his time at RJC which eventually became Taylor Ball Construction, Ball Construction Services, and Ball Team Construction. He was particularly proud of his involvement in the construction of the Des Moines Convention Center (now the YMCA), the addition to the Des Moines Art Center, and the reconstruction of the Iowa Cubs Principal Park Stadium.

Darrell had a life-long passion for giving back his time and talent to those less fortunate. He was extremely devoted to numerous charitable causes in the Des Moines metro including Boys & Girls Club, Variety The Children's Charity, Prevent Blindness, Youth Homes of Mid-America, March of Dimes, and committees at Sacred Heart and Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Churches.

Darrell had a great joy for life and it was evident to all. He and Elaine were blessed throughout his life with many friends and had fond memories of their travels and adventures together, especially those made through The Associates Breakfast Club. He also treasured his time with friends and family at Sun Valley Lake.

Much like the beginning of his life, Darrell spent the last chapter of his life mostly surrounded by women. He was the beloved Papa to eight granddaughters and one grandson. He delighted in attending any of their many activities from dance recitals to ball games, Catholic schools grandparents days to band and choir concerts. Darrell loved his daughters-in-law with equal strength, regularly introducing them to his staff at Edgewater as his daughters - Nancy and Karen.

Darrell is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elaine, sons Rick (Nancy), Mike, and Dave (Karen) Ball, grandchildren Megan, Amanda, Katie, Sarah, Alex (Melanie), Madeline, Emily, Alexandra, and Zoe Ball, sisters Mary Novak, Barb Rasmussen, and Nancy Sodders, and several beloved nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Visitation will be Friday, July 19, 2024 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, 8201 Hickman Road, Urbandale. A rosary will take place at 6:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 7075 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines. Private family committal will conclude at Resthaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Parkinson's Association, the Library at St. Francis of Assisi School, or Dowling Catholic High School's Engineering Program.