Kenneth Wayne Ward

Kenneth “Ken” “Pappy” Ward, age 61, of Wallis, died Thursday, January 14, 2016, surrounded by his loving family, at his residence in Wallis. He was born on May 31, 1954 in Midland, Texas, a son of the late John and Florence Johnson Ward. Ken graduated from Wallis High School in 1972. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and earned his Honorable Discharge in the fall of 1973. Ken married Dinah Marie Cervenka on October 6, 1974 in Wallis. He was employed by the Baylor Company, later becoming National Oil Well Varco, in Sugarland for many years, retiring 40+ years later. Ken was a 3rd Degree member of the Wallis Knights of Columbus, a member of the Wallis American Legion, and attended Guardian Angel Catholic Church, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, his garden, and mowing the lawn. Family was important to Ken, and he was very active in his children and grandchildren’s life, being a Cub Scout Leader and Boy Scout Master where he spent many days and nights camping, hiking and enjoying and learning from nature. He was on the Knights of Columbus cooking crew for many years, cooking at meetings, wild game suppers and special events. Ken also helped with many school and community fundraisers, making barbeque whenever asked. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ronnie Ward and step sisters, Donna Tankersley and Carol Skidmore. Visitation was held at Guardian Angel Catholic Church in Wallis on Sunday, January 17 with a parish rosary recited at 7pm. Funeral services were held on Monday, January 18, 2016 at 11 am at Guardian Angel Church in Wallis with Father Thuy Nguyen officiating. Burial followed in Guardian Angel Cemetery in Wallis. Serving as pallbearers were Aaron Ward, Chris Ward, Wade Marek, Gary Vincek, Jamie Reber and Dana Gamble with employees of NOV as honorary pallbearers. Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Dinah Ward of Wallis, daughter, Amanda Ward of Wallis, sons, Jason Ward and wife, Denna of Snook and Nathan and wife, Kelly of Wallis, grandchildren, Chris Ward, Kaylea Walker, Kiley Ward, Aaron Ward, Cassidy Ward, Kamree Walker and Kalob Ward, sister in law, Marguerite Ward of East Bernard, step brother, Rudy Hibbler and wife Bonnie of Jewett and half sister D.J. Sommers and husband, Augie of Wallis as well as many nieces and nephews and numerous friends. Funeral services are under the direction of the Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at www.whartonfuneralhome.com.