Clyde Ball, 87, of Saugatuck died peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. Born Nov. 3, 1929 in Gary, Ind., to Edwin and Harriet (Spohn) Ball, Clyde was lovingly raised by his maternal grandparents, August Lindley and Frieda (Kurtz) Spohn.
Clyde graduated from Hammond High School in 1947. He then attended Iowa State College where he met his future wife, Belva Lou Ross. They married in 1951 and settled in northwest Indiana while Clyde began studies at the Art Institute of Chicago. He was also an officer in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.
In 1964, after a near-fatal car accident, he and Belva decided to become full-time artists. In 1966, they won best of show at the Bonnewell Art Festival—a trip to Paris! Thus began a 40-year career together, doing shows throughout the United States, winning many awards. He also enjoyed a side-career as a model, featured in commercials, catalogs, magazines and newspapers.
Clyde was preceded in death by his wife Belva in 2009. They were married 58 years.
He is survived by his four children, son-in-law, and two grandchildren, Randy, Jeff, and Kevin Ball; Sandy (Ball), Ted, Callan and Austin Muckleroy.
A memorial service will be Nov. 18 at All Saints Episcopal at 1 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at Clyde’s home, 1001 Allegan St., at 3 p.m.
Memorial contributions can be made to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010.
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