DEVERE L. BALL

Mr. Ball attended White Pine School and graduated from Cadillac High School. He had served in the U.S. Army during World War II and went overseas in 1943 to the European Theater. He served in north Africa, Italy, southern France, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge as a member of the 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion in the 82nd Airborne Division. He was wounded in action in February 1945. Among his many military awards were the Silver Star and the Purple Heart.

Mr. Ball had worked for Cadillac Equipment Company from 1946 to 1960. He then began his career with the U.S. Postal Service and retired in 1989. He was a much loved mail carrier as he took special interest in all of his postal patrons, especially the shut-ins.

He served on the school board of White Pine School, was a member of the Wexford County Planning Commission for two years, a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Cadillac. He was an avid gardener, taking great pride in his garden each summer. He loved golfing and spending time with his family. His loyal golden retriever, Rosie, will miss the many walks they took together in the fields and woods behind their house.

Mr. Ball volunteered for eight years at Mercy Hospital where he was a member of the hospital auxiliary. He also volunteered many hours at Shepherds Table, the Cadillac Recycling Center and devoted time each year to the Salvation Army Food Bag Drive.

(courtesy of Mike Wilkinson)

Grave marker for Devere L. Ball in the Mount Carmel Cemetery, Cadillac (Wexford county), Michigan.

Devere enlisted in the Army at Kalamazoo, MI on 26 March 1943.

A parachutist volunteer, Pvt Ball was assigned to the 509th PIR and saw action in served in Italy, southern France, and the Battle of the Bulge. 

On 6 February 1945 Pfc ball was transferred from the 509th to Company B, 508th PIR.  He was listed as being seriously wounded on the 10th of Fewbruary and evacuated.

His military decorations include the Silver Star and Purple Heart as well as the Bronze Service Arrowhead device for the Southern France Campaign and Airborne Operations.