"Becky, Mike and family, My condolences to all of you. Ray was a special man and we loved him dearly! (I posted comments on the Whig obituary site also.). I talked recently to a jeweler here in the Kansas City area who knew him. He always brings a smile to anyone who knew him. --Jeannie Heins Gordon"
In loving memory of
Wm. Ray Ward
October 12, 2012
Wm. Ray Ward, age 98, formerly of 1228 Vermont, died Friday, October 12, 2012 at 1:30 pm in Good Samaritan Home.
Ray was born June 24, 1914 in Steffenville, MO, the son of William Henry and Annie E. Homrighausen Ward. The family moved to Lewistown, MO and then to Quincy, IL when Mr. Ward was 10 years old. He drove a wagon for the move to Quincy. Later he drove a truck for his dad and then worked at Gardner-Denver as a molder for over 35 years. He married Dorothy I. Underwood July 3, 1946. She preceded him in death on February 13, 1992.
He was a member of Central Baptist Church. Mr. Ward played basketball as a youth and held Quincy Senior High School season basketball tickets for a number of years. In retirement Mr. Ward kept a large garden and enjoyed fishing on his farm. He canned vegetables and cooked well into his 90's. Mr. Ward also enjoyed meeting other men at Deters and HyVee for early morning coffee and discussion of various topics. He hosted a number of birthday breakfasts at HyVee. He built a sleigh when he was 89 years old and it was exhibited at the 12th and Harrison HyVee at Christmas for a number of years.
Survivors include: two children, Rebecca K. Ward of Peoria, IL and William Michael (Sheila) Ward of Florissant, MO; a sister-in-law, Loretta A. Ward of Quincy: two grandchildren, Kara K. (Richard) Smarz of Tucson, AZ, and Matthew R. (Michelle) Ward of Loveland, CO: three great-grandchildren, Olivia M., Sophie Z. and Francesca S. Smarz , all of Tucson.
Ray was also preceded in death by his parents and four sisters, Viola Talley, Mabel Abbott, Catherine Smith, and Wilma Dee Hagerla, two brothers, Carlton Robert Ward, and Francis Raymond Ward.
Services: 10:00 am Monday, October 15, 2012 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home, with Rev. Ivan Greuter officiating.
Burial: Quincy Memorial Park
Visitation: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Sunday October 14, 2012 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home
Memorials: Good Samaritan Home
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"Mike, I was sorry to hear of your father's passing. I know you and your family will miss him but with a life so long and full, you will have great memories to keep him with you always. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
"Mike & Sheila, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."