Ward, William L., born Dec. 10, 1947, to Harold and Margaret Elizabeth (Beth) McMillian Ward. He died surrounded by his family on Mar. 1, 2013. He attended Covenant College for two years before joining the U.S. Navy, where he served from June 1969 to June 1979, with three years aboard the USS America. After an honorable discharge, he began his career as a field service engineer, installing and servicing CT scanners and MRI machines in hospitals in the Kansas City area.

William was a lifelong member of the Shawnee RPC. On Dec. 23, 1970, he married his childhood sweetheart, Sharon Faris, whom he met in Sabbath school at the age of 5. They celebrated 42 years of marriage this past December. He is now with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is preceded in death by his mother, Beth Ward, and an infant brother, David Andrew. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; three children, Amy Ward, Rebecca (Jason) Neudeck, and David (Becca) Ward; his father, William Herald Ward; three brothers, John (Sue) Ward, Harry (Mary Jane) Ward, and Tom Ward; a sister, Martha (Brian) Long; and four grandchildren, Nathan, Hannah, John, and Michaela Neudeck.

The following was written by his niece, Joanna Ward Butter: “Yesterday, a man died. That man was Uncle William; a loving husband and father, servant hearted, tough, yet tenderhearted. He served his country, was skilled with his hands, a big tease, a sucker for babies, homemade ice cream, and one of the most generous men I’ve known and I never doubted that he loved me.

“I’ll miss him sorely and I’ll follow him to heaven one day and join him there with our Savior and Comforter, Jesus Christ.”

William’s brother Harry was quoted as saying, “Take comfort in knowing that God is in control of all of it and He is not careless about how He manages our affairs. He knows all of us and our ways and is able to keep us through whatever happens.”

William’s service was conducted by Pastors John Tweed and Wade Mann, with Scripture read by Mr. Kevin Dennis.

We will all miss William. It was a joy to know, and be known, by him. Our love and prayers continue to be with his family.

“Now is your time of sorrow, but I will see you again, and you will rejoice and no one will take away your joy” (John 16:22).

—Nancy Hemphill