Robert "Bob" Ball

Robert "Bob" Henry Ball passed away January 30, 2026, with his wife at his side. There will be a visitation for family and friends from 5-7pm on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in the sanctuary of Temple Baptist Church, and a graveside burial service at 1pm on February 4, 2026, at Greenwood Cemetery directed by Kilpatrick Funeral Home.

Bob was born in New Orleans, LA, on November 15, 1963, and was adopted into a loving home with Jim and Jane Ball in December. It was a Christmas full of excitement for the whole family.

His family could always tell how long a person had known him by what they called him. It might be Bobby (youth), Bob (college), or Robert (career). There were only a select few who could get away with calling him Bobby as an adult.

Although most would say that he died at a young age, Bob lived a full life. In his youth he played Dixie Baseball; had many camping, fishing, hunting trips with his dad and friends; rode motorcycles; played football at Cedar Creek and then Ruston High School, where he graduated; and had many jam sessions and trips with close family friends. College at Louisiana Tech University included activities with Wesley Foundation and then the BSU (Baptist Student Union), where he met his wife, Alicia. There were always late night card games of UNO and Rook that included fierce competition and commradere. Cards and other games continued into married life where weekends were spent playing and eating with special friends. He was also always on board for a road trip to see a favorite band or go to a fun or historical destination.

What Bob loved most, though, was music. He had an amazing gift of playing by ear and could learn anything on the acoustic guitar, electric guitar, electric bass, banjo, keyboard, and even air drums when the rhythm struck him. Bob played in many bands and had opportunities to play whatever instrument was needed at events and festivals all over North Louisiana and other areas. He was an accomplished musician who won the Holiday In Dixie Young Musician Award and played at Lt Governor Melinda Schegmann's announcement party for Governor; the Opryland Hotel; the 1984 World's Fair in New Orleans; the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, TN; and even the Temple Baptist Youth Hee Haw Show fundraiser for missions.

Bob believed in giving to missions. He did so through a BSU organization called HA, where at his family's venue, Melody Hills, he hosted many dances ("foot functions" for the Baptists) where they collected funds. He even had a whipped cream pie thrown in his girlfriend's face in the Louisiana Tech Tonk at lunch because it was a missions fundraiser (and she married him anyway).

The pie was not the beginning of the pranks, though. His sense of humor was inherited from his dad, and at a young age he learned how much fun it was to prank ("terrorize", she might call it) his sister, Meg. This fueled the multiple other tricks, antics, highjinks, and capers all done in fun to and with those he loved.

Bob could be a man of few words most of the time, but he was so proud of his son, Brandon. He spent countless hours watching RPAR Soccer and Upward Basketball games, and going to Middle School Jr. High School, and High School Band concerts and events. He was always happy to claim Brandon's humor, love of music, and sense of adventure.

Bob had many jobs during his career years, but at age 54 he returned to Louisiana Tech University to pursue his Masters of Education. He had recently retired from teaching Jr High Science.

Bob is preceded in death by his mother, Jane Ball. He is survived by his father, James (Jim) Ball of Ruston, LA; wife of 37 years, Alicia Ball; son Brandon Ball of Davenport, IA; sister Meg (Doug) Bullock of Owensboro KY; niece Molly (Aaron) Leach of Shreveport, LA; and other close family and friends.

Jesus is Bob's Lord and Savior. He is now in Heaven, no longer in pain, and playing music again.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.