Springfield - Gary L. Ball Sr., 59, of Springfield died Thursday, May 29, 2003, at St. John's Hospital.

He was born July 3, 1943, in Springfield, the son of Ray and Zelma Redding Ball.  He married Carole Crouch Eck.

Mr. Ball was a former insurance agent for American Family and a former employee of Illinois Central Management Services and was a sales manager for J.C. Penney Co.,  He was a former trustee of the village of Sherman.

Survivors: wife, Carole; a son, Gary L. (wife, Kristin) Ball Jr. of Springfield; two daughters, Nancy Knoop of Auburn and Janet (husband, Brian) Miller of Springfield; 16 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Larry Ball of Springfield; a sister, Alice Ball of Springfield; and several nieces and nephews.

Services at Ellinger-Kunz and Davis Funeral Home, the Rev. James Stuenkel officiating.  Burial:  Oak Ridge Cemetery.