Theodore Lester Ward, also known to others as “Hank”, of Joplin, Missouri, was born on August 17, 1937 in Cadet, MO, a son to the late Cecil Joseph Ward and the late Rose Lena DeGonia Ward. Hank passed away on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 having reached the age of eighty-three years, nine months and two days.

Those who remain to cherish his memory include his children: Lester (Lisa) Ward, Donald Ward, Donna (Mike) Kean, Joseph Ward, Mike (Laura) Ward, Stacy (Christy) Ward, Jason (Kristie) Ward, and Lena Daugherty; siblings: James Ward and Joyce (Ben) Farris.

Hank was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Rose Ward; beloved wife, Audrie Ward, who passed away on January 15, 2016; grandsons; Brian Allen Wills and Danny Ward; son-in-law, Cecil Daugherty; siblings: Alice Banks, Loretta Richards, Delphine Farris, Lena Sue Ward, Catherine Bone, Donald Ward and Ace Ward.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, May 21, 2021 from 4:30 to 8 pm. Visitation will resume on Saturday, May 22, 2021 from 9 to 11 am at DeClue Funeral Home.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 11 am at the DeClue Memorial Chapel with Bro Larry DeGonia officiating, assisted by Aemul DeGonia. Interment will follow at New Diggins Cemetery in Mineral Point, MO.

Funeral arrangements were respectfully entrusted to the care and direction of DeClue Funeral Home.