Ball, Earl Russell

Service highlights

  • Name: Earl Russell Ball

  • Born: September 5, 1928, Blanshard Township, Ontario

  • Service: Canadian Army, Private

  • War service: Korean War

  • Enlisted: May 18, 1951

  • Discharged: July 10, 1953

  • Honours: United Nations Service Medal

  • Later life: Worked in St. Marys at Maxwell’s for 15 years, then DeLong Scovill Limited for 9 years

  • Community: Member, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 236, St. Marys

  • Died: October 24, 1974

A Life and Service Remembered

Earl Russell Balls was born on September 5, 1928 in Blanshard Township, part of the same rural fabric that shaped so many families in the St. Marys area. Family records identify him as the son of George Russell Balls and Minnie Lilla May Bodfield, (we believe that we have the correct person but have yet to confirm with direct family) tying him to a household that understood service across generations.

When Earl came of age, a new conflict was calling Canadians overseas. On May 18, 1951, he enlisted in the Army and served as a Private during the Korean War. He was discharged on July 10, 1953, and was awarded the United Nations Service Medal, a marker of Canada’s role in a difficult war that is sometimes remembered too quietly at home.

After returning from service, Earl settled back into St. Marys and built a working life that was steady and rooted. He spent 15 years at Maxwell’s in St. Marys and then another 9 years with DeLong Scovill Limited. Those are the kinds of years that speak to reliability and routine, showing up, doing the job, and helping keep the town running in the ordinary ways that matter.

Earl also stayed connected to the people and places that shaped him. He was a member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 236 in St. Marys, keeping close to a community built around remembrance, service, and looking out for one another.

Earl passed away on October 24, 1974.

Major battles and operations

  • Korean War service

  • United Nations Service Medal awarded

  • May 18, 1951, enlistment

  • July 10, 1953, discharge


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