STEVE WARD

CARTHAGE-A private family inurnment will take place at a later date for Robert Stephen “Steve” Ward, 69, Carthage, a long-time resident of the Jasper community, who died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, April 6, 2016, following complications of prostate cancer.

Arrangements are under the direction of Knell Mortuary.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of the Four States, Joplin, in care of the funeral home at 308 W. Chesnut, Carthage, MO 64836.

Condolences may be sent online at www.knellmortuary.com.

Survivors include his wife, Maribeth Ward; a brother, Richard “Dick” Ward and wife Elizabeth Healey, Kansas City, Mo.; two aunts, Jane Beard, Kenilworth, Ill. And Eleanor Miller, Whittier, Calif., and many cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Ward was born Nov. 27, 1946, to Harry N. and Elsie Mae (Wilson) Ward at Cox Hospital in Springfield. Born three months premature and weighing just over two pounds, he survived with a strong will to succeed and overcome challenges; traits which became the hallmark of his character for the next seven decades.

He and his wife owned Ward Printing in Jasper for many years. Mr. Ward also had notable experience in public and community service, being the former mayor of Jasper, having served on the staff of former 7th District Congressmen Gene Taylor in Washington, D.C. And was instrumental in creating the Jasper Ambulance Service. He and his wife sold their farm in November to move closer to medical care in Carthage.

He married Maribeth Still on Jan. 26, 1968.