We were so sorry to hear about Ward's passing. He was such a friendly gentleman.  On a bitterly cold winter evening, we fondly recall our dinner with Sharon and Ward at a lovely restaurant. Our conversation was lively and the fellows enjoyed their steaks. 

We admired Ward  as an excellent craftsman and  woodworker, lovingly creating gifts for his family. 

Our thoughts are with you, Sharon, and also with your children and grandchildren. 

Ward has been a part of my life for the better part of my life. He is one of the few people outside of my immediate family who saw firsthand the family dysfunction that my sister and I endured growing up, and, like a white knight, he wanted to rescue my sister and show her a better life. He has been like another brother to me--a reliable presence I could talk to, a sympathetic ear, someone of intelligence and compassion.After I left Wichita, he and Sharon were the home back home that I could come to for holidays and visits--always welcoming, always comforting. And my visit last October was no different.When I lost my husband in 2020 and needed to fix up my house to sell in 2022, my sister and Ward flew halfway across the country twice to help me with needed repairs and updates. I had a long list of what needed to get done, and they attacked it methodically, a well-oiled machine at the height of their efficiency, meticulously checking off that list, project by project. Their teamwork, the way they worked together, was a thing of beauty--honed by decades together. I have never been given a more precious gift than the loyalty, caring and love they've always shown me.

Ward, Sharon, kids, and in-laws; trip to scatter Tom's ashes

Sharon and Ward in their early years together

Kansas Sun Flowers

Ward’s favorite restaurant

So sorry for your loss. Ward was a great person and we will miss him deeply. Sending you, Carson, Sheena and all your family our condolences 💐 

Sorry for your loss. I will keep you in prayer through this difficult time. Love & blessings DeAnn

I remember fondly when Ward and Sharon built their first home. The whole family pitched in, and it was a time of being together. Years later, the entire family bought a building lot in Arkansas and we all spent a couple of years erecting our family get-away home in the hilly woodsy Ozarks. What good times those were!

One year, when Mark and I were living in Colorado, he and Sharon came to visit and we took them to an antique car museum. He and Mark were in seventh heaven! (See photo)

After my husband Mark, Ward’s brother, passed away, Ward made beautifully-crafted wooden boxes for his ashes. He made four of them - one for me, for my two sons, and for my granddaughter.

I will miss him and his sunny smile.

Brothers at the car museum

I knew Ward as a great friend. I had not seen him in some time but was someone I could just pick up where I left off with.  Words absolutely fail me here as I know of none that would convey my sadness or ease your grief.  I hope you will help each other find peace and comfort.        Lindy

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation is truly sorry for your family's loss. Please contact Jake Meding if we can provide any information or support during this difficult time. He can be reached at jmeding@pulmonaryfibrosis.org or 312-854-2627. Thank you.