James Ward (Lebanon)'s Obituary
James Walter Ward, son of Charley E. and Gussie C. Drane Ward, was born July 3, 1934, near Pine, in Ripley County, Missouri. He departed this life Wednesday, July 6, 2011, in his home, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of seventy-seven years, and three days.
On December 17, 1999, he was united in marriage to Alice Gayle Rodden, and they shared the last twelve years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charley Ward and Gussie C. Ward Knudsen; and three brothers, Charles Ward, Jr., and two infant brothers.
Jim is survived by his wife, Alice, of the home; a daughter, Susan Valle, and her husband, Kelly, of Park Hills, Missouri; a son, Phillip Ward, of Shawnee, Kansas; a step-daughter, Connie Caudle, of Republic, Missouri; a step-son, Robert Rodden, Jr., of Roswell, Georgia; four grandchildren, Danielle, Bryant, Jessica, and Jacob; seven step-grandchildren, Jacob, Hannah, Elijah, Robby, Benjamin, Wyatt, and Mollie; a brother, William “Bill” Ward, of Conway, Missouri; a sister, Deborah “Debbie” Knudsen Caffey, of Conway, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in the Pine and Naylor, Missouri areas, and graduated from Naylor High School. He then served in the United States Navy from October of 1957, until October of 1961. He was stationed in Hawaii and was honorably discharged as a Teleman 2nd Class. Jim worked as a barber in St. Louis for several years, before moving to Conway, Missouri, where he owned and operated a farm. Later, he was employed in the maintenance department of the Lebanon R-III Schools until retiring.
James was saved and baptized on August 28, 2003, and was a member of the Union Mission Church in Lebanon.
In his spare time he enjoyed being outdoors where his favorite activities were hunting, fishing, gardening and beekeeping. He also enjoyed working crossword puzzles and spending time with his Boston Terrier, “Spuds”. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed his grandchildren.
Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and know that his family and friends will treasure the wonderful memories he made for them throughout the years.
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