Cpt. Russell Shane Ball

Captain Russell Shane Ball moved on to his next adventure on July 10, 2026. Rusty was born to Paul Glendon Ball and Ruth Hazel Fannin Ball on November 9, 1958. He grew up in Ironton, OH and made many life long friends. Rusty left on the day of his high school graduation to work on a towboat. Rusty was second generation, following his father in the Merchant Mariner Towboat industry. Rusty diligently worked until he received the title of Master Captain and was in charge of many vessels and crews throughout the fifty years he worked in the industry. Rusty knew and traveled the Inner Coastal Waterways including the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, and the Kentucky rivers to name a few. He was very interested and involved in making the workplace safe and improving the safety practices for all of those working in the industry. Rusty also worked with many individuals teaching them the skills required to safely handle a towboat until they were able to become Captains of their own vessels. He loved horses and rodeoed in his spare time. Rusty enjoyed meeting people and had a very wide circle of friends throughout the country.

Rusty is survived by his wife Terri, his daughter Sara Walton (Mat), a son Russell, a daughter Robin Doyle, and a son William Diedrich (Rachel), 10 grandchildren and 4 fur babies, Gilligan, Sampson, Delilah, and Cinnamon.

One day we will meet again and what a joyous day that will be. Rusty you are forever in our hearts with much love. Rest peacefully. Old Man River will always be able to remind us of one of the very best souls we have ever known.