Billy Ward passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 13, 2024, with his family by his side. He was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, as well as a loving husband to his wife Christine, with whom he shared an extraordinary 68-year marriage.

Billy proudly served in the United States Air Force for eight years, during which he was stationed in England, where he met Christine. The couple began their family there and later returned to the United States, eventually settling in Warrensburg, Missouri, where they remained for the rest of their lives.

Born in Tennessee and raised in St. Louis, Billy dedicated himself to his family and took immense pride in his work with the Air Force Civil Service, where he was employed until his retirement. Known for his quick wit and infectious sense of humor, Billy could turn any moment into a joke and spread laughter wherever he went.

Left to honor his memory are his four daughters: Gale Matthews (Troy), Deborah Jane Rosebush (Steve), Julia Bozarth (Jeff), and Glenda Elder (Mike); two sisters in Witney, England: Gill Horne and Wendy Townsend; seven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Christine's legacy lives on through her family, a true reflection of her love, warmth, and grace.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Wilson Best Ward and Opal Christine Ward, as well as his five siblings-three brothers and two sisters-all of whom resided in St. Louis.

He often fondly recalled his nine-day journey by boat to England during his Air Force deployment, where he met the love of his life, Christine. Together, they shared a deep love for gardening, building things, and traveling, and Billy especially enjoyed watching classic films. Their energy and ambition were evident in everything they did.

A joint celebration of the lives of both Billy and Christine will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home in Warrensburg, MO. A graveside service will follow at 12:00 PM at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Warrensburg Animal Rescue, entrusted to the care of Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home.