Johnnie A. Ward

Johnnie A. Ward, age 87, of Gholson, passed away late Saturday morning, October 28, 2006 in Clifton. Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at Kirk Cemetery near Prairie Hill, with Dr. John Crowder officiating. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Mr. Ward was born April 3, 1919 in Aquilla, the son of Ira and Willie Mae (Burton) Ward. He was raised and attended school in Aquilla. Johnnie served his country with the United States Army during World War II. On September 1, 1942 he was united in marriage to Clara Pearl Wheelis in Waco. She preceded him in death on May 13, 2004. Johnnie was a truck driver for Central Freight Lines in Waco for 23 years before retiring in 1979. He loved fishing, camping and working on lawn mowers. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post No. 4819 and American Legion Post No. 121. Survivors include two daughters, Linda Kay Havel and her husband Ed, and Christie Elaine Kasik and her husband Ronnie, all of West; a son, John Alvin Ward and his wife Tensy of Aquilla; a sister, Jessie Mae Vigus of Gholson; seven grandchildren, Patrick Havel and wife Michele, Felicia Sherrill and husband Jason, April Havel, Shannon Kasik, Tommy Kasik and wife Karen, Crystal McCook and husband Josh, and Jeffrey Ward; 13 great-grandchildren, Krystan Johnson, Mathew Umberger, Austin and Ryan Kasik, D.J. Clowdus, Kacie Alsobrook, Hayden McCook, Faith, Morgan, Derek & Kaele Sherrill, Summer and Chandler Price; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Johnnie's grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Clifton Lutheran Sunset Home Building Fund, 300 S. Ave. Q, Clifton, Texas 76634 or Gholson Volunteer Fire Department.