Phillip Keith Ball, age 69 of Eureka, went to join his Lord and Savior in Heaven on Thursday, July 30, 2026. Keith was born on March 29, 1957, in Atchison, to Elmer and Darlene (Gossman) Ball. He graduated from Atchison High School in 1975. After graduation, he attended the University of Kansas, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He married the love of his life, Debbie Downing, on January 15, 1983. Following their marriage, they made their home in the Eureka area. To this union, they welcomed two daughters, Jamie Noelle Ball and Kelsie Jordan (Ball) Salazar.
Keith made his living as a banker. He took his first job after graduation with Emprise Bank. He later transitioned to Home Bank and Trust, where he worked his way through the ranks to Executive Vice President. After retirement, Keith continued to work as a consultant at Home Bank and Trust and serving on their Board of Trustees.
Keith was very active in his community and church. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Eureka, where he served in various leadership roles including Treasurer and the Finance committee. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited, where he was named Area Chairman of the Year, the Eureka Chamber of Commerce, where he served as President, Kiwanis Club and the Babson Foundation, where he served on the Board. He was an avid participant in his daughters’ athletic endeavors coaching their various teams throughout childhood from golf, basketball, softball, soccer and more!
Keith was a family man, and he valued nothing more than his family. He was extremely proud of his role as “Pop Pop,” to his three grandchildren, Karlie, Landrie and Kallen. He was present at almost all their activities from sporting events, plays, school functions and everything his babies roped him into! He enjoyed taking family vacations, his favorite of these being cruises. Nowhere was he happier than on a ship or beach with his family.
Keith was a diehard KU Jayhawk and loved attending and watching his Hawks at athletic events. Rock Chalk! Keith was also an avid golfer, where he was a Eureka Country Club champion, and shared his love with his daughters and grandchildren. He was known for his Christmas light display, which he enjoyed the pleasure and joy it brought to both young and old. He was a yardman and spent much of his free time tending to his yard and all his family member’s yards as well. Keith was a caretaker, who took care of his wife and family with all he had.
Left to treasure his memory are his wife Debbie of 43 years and two daughters: Dr. Jamie Ball of Platte City, Mo. and Kelsie and husband Zac Salazar of Lenexa; three grandchildren, Karlie Debra, Landrie Jacklynne and Kallen Thomas Keith Salazar of Lenexa. He is also survived by his sister, Jean Day of Kansas City, Kan. and two nephews, Phillip Lyons of Kansas City, Kan. and Scott Keiling of Smithville, Mo.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Darlene Ball.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, Aug. 7, at 11 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Eureka. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Eureka, 521 N. Main, Eureka, KS 67045.
