David Ross Ward came into this life on September 13, 1949. He was the
son of Max Griffith Ward and Norma Lee Sebaugh Ward. On July 2, 2021,
he passed suddenly from this world to be joined with his heavenly
family.
Dave was the older brother to his sisters, Julie (Ken) Carter,
Shelley (Patrick) McKenna and Lori (Terry) Wycoff. Maybe having little
sisters is why he was such a sweet little boy. His teacher told that he
was the only boy in first grade at Clayton grade school. The little
girl’s feelings would be hurt if they didn’t get to sit by him so he
would take turns sitting by each of them. He attended Jennings High
School and graduated in May of 1966. While in high school, David was
active in all sports and activities offered.
After graduation Dave went to Fort Hays State college. When he left
for college his dad told him, “Don’t let your school work interfere
your education” He may have taken this more to heart than his parents
expected. He left college in 1968 to join the Army during the Viet Nam
war. He had lost his lifelong childhood friend to the war and felt it
was his duty to give honor to him by enlisting and fighting for his
country. Dave earned the rank of Sergeant, was awarded the Bronze Star
with Valor and earned but wasn’t awarded the Purple Heart for wounds
received in combat.
After returning from Vietnam Dave worked for Hackney Trucking until
achieving his dream in December of 1973 purchasing his farm southeast of
Clayton. Dave was blessed to have a mentor and friend in Wayne and
Lilly Haney just down the road. He loved owning and operating his farm
but loved ranching most of all.
Dave married Laura (now Gilhousen) in 1975 and welcomed into his
life not just a wife, but a son, Gary Joseph (Little Joe) Lorimor. The
following year in February of 1976 Dave became a father once again when
Jacob Max and Jarrod Blaine were born in the Norton Hospital. Having a
healthy son was great news, having two was both a blessing and a very
big surprise! In December of 1977 Dave was blessed once again with a
beautiful baby girl, Jodi Lee Ward.
Dave was an active member of his community and his church. It was a
rare thing for Dave to miss Sunday School or Church service. An active
member of the Church, the American Legion, Norton Co. Honor Hunt,
caretaker for the Clayton Cemetery, 4-H parent and supporter, and many
other activities that gave him joy, he even served as mayor of Clayton.
When asked about taking on some of his ancillary responsibilities Dave
would just grin and say “Someone has to do it.”
He was an attentive grandpa to his eight grandchildren. The road
trips to attend sporting events, programs and Grandparents Day were a
part of being a grandpa he loved. Dave loved his grandkids and made
every effort to attend whatever they had going wherever it was.
David passed from this life doing what he loved, being out among the
fields, checking cattle and loving this beautiful country the Lord
made. He liked his alone time. He lived his life his way and always
counted his blessings for the love of family and friends.
Dave was predeceased by his parents, Max and Norma Ward; his
paternal grandparents, Ross and Stella Ward and Ross’s second wife,
Gladys; and his maternal grandparents, Walter and Margaret Sebaugh.
Those left to mourn and to celebrate his life are his children, Gary
Joseph Lorimor II, Wichita, Jacob (Krisha) Ward, Maple Grove,
Minnesota; Jarrod (Eugene) Ward, Brisbane, Australia, and Jodi (Chris)
Cox. Grandchildren who will feel the loss of their Grandpa Dave, are
Ryan Allen Lorimor, Wichita, Kansas, Alexis Nicole Lorimor, Manhattan,
Zoe Chanel Cox, Elkhorn, Nebraska, Tharen Roy Cox, Braxton Ellanor Cox,
Jason Troy Cox, Audrey Lillian Bina and Augustus Max Cox, of Norton.
You will always be loved, missed and in our hearts.
Click HERE for service details.