R. Allen “Monk” Ward, age 80, of Hays, passed away Thursday, June 17, 2021, at his home in Hays.&nbsp; Monk was born February 18, 1941 in South Gate, California, the son of Rex and Helen (Gunter) Ward.&nbsp; Monk graduated from Scandia High School in 1958. On April 15, 1967, he married DeeAnn Parsons in Logan, Kansas.&nbsp; To this union two children were born: Annie and A.J. &nbsp;

Monk worked road construction in his early career, followed by time in the oilfield and he owned and operated service stations in Scandia and Logan, Kansas.&nbsp; He served his country in the United States Army from October 1966 to October 1968, with one year of service in Vietnam.&nbsp;

Monk is survived by his wife of 54 years, a daughter, Annie Diederich of Topeka, a son, A.J.(Cathy) of Hays, two grandchildren, Mallory Diederich of Kansas City, MO and Mason Diederich of Topeka.&nbsp; He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, MariAnna Hanson, his father-in-law, Johnnie Parsons and son-in-law, Randy Diederich.&nbsp;

Cremation was chosen and a private family graveside service will be held at a later date.&nbsp; Memorial contributions can be made in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601 for a designation to be determined.&nbsp;

R. Allen “Monk” Ward, age 80, of Hays, passed away Thursday, June 17, 2021, at his home in Hays.&nbsp; Monk was born February 18, 1941 in South Gate, California, the son of Rex and Helen (Gunter) Ward.&nbsp; Monk graduated from Scandia High School in 1958. On April 15, 1967, he married DeeAnn Parsons in Logan, Kansas.&nbsp; To this union two children were born: Annie and A.J. &nbsp;Monk worked road construction in his early career, followed by time in the oilfield and he owned and operated service stations in Scandia and Logan, Kansas.&nbsp; He served his country in the United States Army from October 1966 to October 1968, with one year of service in Vietnam.&nbsp;Monk is survived by his wife of 54 years, a daughter, Annie Diederich of Topeka, a son, A.J.(Cathy) of Hays, two grandchildren, Mallory Diederich of Kansas City, MO and Mason Diederich of Topeka.&nbsp; He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, MariAnna Hanson, his father-in-law, Johnnie Parsons and son-in-law, Randy Diederich.&nbsp;Cremation was chosen and a private family graveside service will be held at a later date.&nbsp; Memorial contributions can be made in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine St., Hays, KS 67601 for a designation to be determined.&nbsp;

R. Allen 'Monk' Ward