Thomas Allan “Tom” Ball, 68, of Lincoln, passed away on January 27, 2022, due to complications from COVID-19.  

The life of Tom Ball started in 1953 when he was born as the second child to John “Bud” Ball and Betty Lou (Wreghitt) Ball in Lincoln, NE.  The Ball family traveled throughout the Mid and Southwest through his early years, following Bud’s road construction work. Tom’s siblings John and Susie created great memories of an adventurous childhood catching wild animals that became pets and creating fun wherever possible. They often had racoons in the home!  Summers were spent fishing and fall meant hunting for both fun and a food source. The group cherished their trips “back home” to the Clear Lake, Iowa area visiting a close network of beloved cousins, aunts and uncles. 

Eventually the family settled in Lincoln, Ne where the children attended Northeast High School. He liked music, fast motorcycles, a variety of animals and Marlboro reds. He met Janet Sabalka during high school and the two married in 1972.  This union brough Jeffery “Jeff”, Michelle “Shelly” and Kala into the world. The family would follow Tom’s work through Nebraska as he gained his education (Southeast Community College Milford/Lincoln with degrees in Electronics and Electrician) as a Master Electrician, establishing his career. Tom started working for the City of Lincoln in 1975 where he created many lifelong friends and memories. One of his favorite things to do was providing his insight into a variety of situations and helping trouble shoot electrical/mechanical situations. Tom also started a side business during these years that would eventually become TJ’S Electric. Tom held his contractor license having one of the oldest double-digit permits! 

In 1983, Tom and Janet moved to an acreage west of Ceresco, Ne. The family loved living in the country and Tom spent countless quiet morning hours sitting in the dining room watching wildlife play outside of the large windows. Groups of hunting buddies would often spend the weekends pheasant hunting with German Shorthaired Pointers. Tom loved taking deer hunting trips up to the McCook area and fishing trips throughout Nebraska and Kansas. The family was part of the Rock Creek Valley Saddle Club where they took many weekend trips horseback riding throughout the Nebraska Parks.  Weekends also meant camping trips to area lakes, where the extended family would enjoy fishing and water skiing. 

Tom met Sharon (Myers) Ball and married in 1995. The two of them enjoyed playing golf and taking many trips to Las Vegas where their closest friends Darryl and Sharon Lafler lived. Tom and Sharon enjoyed spending time with their small dogs and culinary adventures with their smoker.  They loved old Jeep Pickup Trucks and spent many hours restoring and repairing them. They also enjoyed their large koi pond in the yard, gardening, and wood working. Spending time with their grandchildren was their most beloved pastime. Most recently the two have become avid cruisers (Tom missed getting his platinum cruise card by one month!). They loved exploring new places throughout the Caribbean and playing in the ocean. Tom can often be found on these trips staring out into the ocean watching the waves and finding his peace. 

Tom will be remembered as a kind man who would help others above all things. The family would like everyone to think about small acts of kindness that they can do in his honor. 

Family members include his wife Sharon and his children Jeff, Shelly (Mallory and Lucas Zabrocky) and Kala (Ryan) Bourek (Nicholas, Xavyer and Thaxton).  Sharon’s child Jim (Carrie) Myers (Jacob Myers, Amber (Joe) Karol, (Morgan and Emma)). He is survived by his brother John (Melvina) Ball, Sharon’s brother Joe (Rita) Warne and sister Patty Garivay and numerous cousins.  Tom was proceeded in death by his parents, sister Susan “Susie”(Gary) Pfieff and brother-in-law Nano Garivay.

Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 am, Friday, February 4, 2022, North American Martyrs Catholic Church, 1101 Isaac Drive, Lincoln.  Condolences may be left at trumpmemorials.com.  Trump Funeral Services, 1600 W. “O” Street, Lincoln.