John E. Ward, 70, died Saturday, Aug. 19, 2006, near Piedmont. He was born Nov. 6, 1935, in Wilson, Ark., son of the late Ruben Lester and Lura Mae Jones Ward.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, where he was a jet engine mechanic and attended the Bootheel Cowboy Church in Sikeston. He had owned and operated Mid-West L.P. Gas and later worked for Jennings Brothers Farms.

On May 28, 1955, he married Vivian C. "Butchie" Lannum Ward; she preceded him in death on Sept. 29, 2003.

Survivors include two sons, John N. Ward of Sikeston and Tim Ward of Dexter; one daughter, Annette O'Hara of Sikeston; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and parents, one brother preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2006, at Ponder Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2006, at Ponder Funeral Home, with Rev. J.D. McClard, pastor of Bootheel Cowboy Church, officiating.

Interment will follow in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Sikeston with full military rites.