Gary Ward

Gary was born Jan. 19, 1946 in Portageville, Mo., to Pauline Cook Ward, of Portageville and the late Norvil Ward. After graduating school at Ross and briefly living in Flint, Mich., he returned home to farm with his dad and brothers. He enjoyed various occupations over the years including ag management, car and tractor salesman, and service manager. He retired July 4, 2008 as supervisor for the Pemiscot County Road and Bridge Maintenance Department. After retirement he devoted his time to family and his businesses: Ward's Escort Service and Ward's T-shirts and Hats. He was also very active in the United Methodist Church of Steele, Mo. On May 2nd, 2009, at 63 years, 3 months, and 14 days, Gary died at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Norvil, on Jan. 19, 1977. Gary is survived by his wife Donna Mays of Steele; and his son, Clint Ward and wife, Kara, of Steele; his daughter, Jody Reynolds and husband, Warren, of Ozark, Mo.; his son Jason Ward and wife, Monica, of Portageville, Mo.; stepson, Todd Mays and wife, Tonya, of Steele, and stepson, James "Buzz" Mays and wife, Sandy, of Olive Branch, Miss.

He is also survived by his three brothers, Norvil Wayne Ward, of Steele, Larry Eugene Ward, of Portageville, and Billy Wes Ward, of Swartz Creek, Mich.

Donna and Gary shared eleven grandchildren between them; Evan House, Kaleigh Ward, Doug Reynolds, Claire Reynolds, Hunter Ward, Hannah Ward, Tara Mays, Michaela Mays, Gabrielle Mays, Zach Mays, and Jayme Mays.

Visitation will begin at 5 p.m., today, Tuesday, May 5, at DeLisle Funeral Home in Portageville, and after 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 6, at the Methodist Church in Steele, Mo.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 6, at the Methodist Church in Steele with Pastor Jan Dillard officiating.

Burial will follow in the Portageville Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Gene Dale Reed, Chuck Hutchison, Jake Rone, Dave Wilkerson, David Greer, Ben Baker.

Honorary pallbearers are Wayne Alexander, Eddie Gilbert, John Spence, Howard Smith, Louis DePriest & Tom Garner.

Please send condolences to the family on-line delislefuneralhome.net.