Gary L. Ward

Gary L. Ward, 69, Topeka, died at his home on January 1, 2011. He was born May 1, 1941 in Topeka, the son of Frank B. and Ellen M. (Metty) Ward.

He graduated from Silver Lake High School in 1959. He lived in Silver Lake for thirty two years where he worked for his parents in their grocery store for twelve years. He moved to Topeka in 1973 where he worked at the Kansas Department of Corrections as a Correctional Officer while he attended Washburn University and graduated in 1975. After graduation, he became a Counselor for the Topeka Correctional Center at both the Reception and Diagnostic Unit and Vocational Training Center. After his retirement in 1994, he drove the courtesy van for Lincoln Mercury until 1998.

On April 15, 1978, Gary married Thelma Elaine Barnes Watkins. She survives. Other survivors include brother, Robert (Lucinda) Ward, Sandy, UT; stepson, Larry Watkins, Holton; stepdaughters, Bonnie (Clint) Wyatt, Silver Lake, Linda Watkins Mulvihill, Topeka; grandchildren, Zachary Wichman (Heather Blanton), Kelli Wichman (Blake Benton) , Shawn Watkins; great granddaughter, Jayla Benton, all of Topeka; and two nephews, Christopher Ward (Brittney Watts), Aurora, CO and Peter (Sarah) Ward, Lewisberg, WV. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Cremation has taken place and a Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 7, 2011 at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Inurnment will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday at Prairie Home Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka Rescue Mission, PO Box 8550, Topeka, Kansas 66608, or Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 3625 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka, Kansas 66614.