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Fort Wayne, IN—Peter Franklin Ball, founder of Peter Franklin Jewelers, Peter Franklin Ball, died August 30. He was 58.

Ball founded the jewelry store in 1988 after repairing and creating jewelry for other companies, and realizing he could “offer a truly superior quality product at a better price” according to the store’s website. The business has since expanded to three locations in Indiana: Fort Wayne, New Haven and Angola, and carries brands like Simon G., Fana, and pre-owned Rolex watches, along with its own custom and house-made jewelry.

Ball was active in his community, having served on the Board of Directors for 3Rivers FCU, as well as a board member of the New Haven (IN) Chamber of Commerce, and the store has an extensive philanthropic program, having donated more than $40,000 to community organizations in the past two years. 

“Pete was a genuinely extraordinary husband, father, son, brother, uncle, opa, and dear friend. We are all truly grateful for the time we shared with Pete, and the impact he made in our lives and community,” a Facebook post from the company said. “For those of us fortunate enough to have known and worked with Pete, we have lost a truly gentle and kind soul,” the post said.

Ball was a member of St. Louis Besancon Catholic Church, where he served on the school board, Parish Council and taught for many years. He also was an avid outdoorsman when not working in the store.

Ball is survived by his wife, Josie, four daughters, Katie (Alex) Wharton, Addie McCarthy, Morgan Ball, and Grace Ball; a son, Will Ball; his parents, Floyd and Charlotte Ball; a sister, Vickie (Rick) Seiter and brother, James Ball, and seven grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Morgan and Grace Ball Education Fund.