Obituary: Ward, Wayne
Age 86
WARD, Wayne
Wayne Ward, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2016, at the Spokane Veterans Community Liv- ing Center.
Wayne’s trust in God, combined with the love, prayers and support of family and friends, carried him through to the end of his life.
Wayne was born in Lawton OK on December 30, 1929.
He is predeceased in death by his first wife of 27 years, Wanda, and daughter, Kelly.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sherry; plus his children and their partners in life: Kathy (Rod) Schenck, Peggy Bertagnolli (Gary Kaiser), Mark Ward and step-daughter Stacey (Jerry) Richards; all who have blessed him with nine grandchildren and three great-grandbabies.
Can’t forget “man’s best friend “Bud!!
his English Setter.
In 1950, Wayne and his two brothers were enrolled into active duty with the Army’s Infantry 45th Division during the Korean War.
Among his credits are the Korean Service Medal, a Bronze SV star and combat infantry badge.
His military service ended with an honorable discharge in 1953.
He is a lifetime member at the VFW 3386 which does a wonderful job of supporting fellow Veterans and the community.
In the mid-50s, Wayne and his wife moved to Spokane and started a family.
Wayne attended barber college and made it his profession for 52 years.
He owned and operated the barbershops at FAFB and survival training school for 10 years.
After that, he opened his own barbershop in the West Plains community.
He called it “The Old West Best Barbershop” and his motto was “best little hair house in town”.
Wayne enjoyed telling jokes and stories at great length.
In his youth, Wayne developed a love for horses and rodeos which lead him into calf roping and team roping.
He helped establish the Washington Rodeo Association (membership #10).
He also enjoyed fishing and working around their home.
In 1974, Wayne took a break from barbering and started as a bartender at the Longhorn Barbecue, west of Spokane.
It was there he met and fell in love with Sherry and were married in 1975.
To Sherry, he is and always will be the “Sunshine of my Life”.
He went on to become the lounge manager and left after 12 years to return full time to barbering.
Funeral services will be held at the Heritage Funeral Home on Saturday, April 9, 2016.
Prior to the memorial service, a Military Ceremony will be held outside in the Rose Garden at 10:30 a.m. You are cordially invited to attend his Celebration of Life between 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Longhorn BBQ, 7611 W Hwy 2.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a local VFW or charity of your choice.