Kenneth D. Ward

Kenneth D. Ward of Tamaha was born Feb. 6, 1939 in Tamaha to Lee and Clora (Springman) Ward and passed away May 19, 2017 in Tamaha at the age of 78.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Alma Ward of the home; two daughters, Mary Cook and husband, Vinson, of Stigler, and Marla Bender, and husband, Jim, of Tamaha; one brother, Robert Ward of Edmond; six grandchildren, Cortney Welch, Logan Bender, Adam Shouse, Bryson Cook, Rose Nash and Amy Burnam; one great-grandson, Blade Miller; two nephews, Jerry and Kendall Ward; and two nieces, Angie and Lenora Ward
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Bill Ward; two sisters, Hester Cole and Ima Jean Ward.
Kenneth was a member of the Tamaha Free Will Baptist Church since 1954. He became a deacon on June 12, 1977 and served until his passing.  He led Bible study for many years.  He played the piano at the church for many years. He also played the piano for the Glorybound Singers, Tamaha Lighthouse Singers and the Good News Quartet.
He served as mayor of Tamaha for 34 years. Also, he served on the Tamaha Cemetery Board since 1987. He worked for MKT-Union Pacific for 36 years, where he later retired.
Kenneth was loved by his family and everyone that knew him.
The service was 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, at Tamaha Free Will Baptist Church with the Rev. Justin Haywood and the Rev. Dennis Craig officiating. Burial followed in Tamaha Cemetery under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home & Crematory of Stigler.
Pallbearers were Kermit Buck, Jerry Hays, Brian Lewis, Ronnie Brown, Roger Hurst and Dennis Craig.
Honorary pallbearers were Logan Bender, Cortney Welch, Adam Shouse, Blade Miller, Audrey DeShazo, Georgia Stevens, Lawrence Ward, Stacey Van Tassel, O’Call Van Tassel, Caleb Drewry and Jaylee Craig.
Viewing was 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, with family visitation from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; and 8 to 11 a.m. Tuesday.