William A. Ward, age 70, of 155 29th Street; Gladstone, died Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at the Christian Park Health Care Center in Escanaba where he was a patient for the previous two weeks.

Bill was born August 4th, 1935 in Escanaba, the son of Vern and Juanita (Fulton) Ward and was raised in Gladstone. He entered the U.S. Air Force as a young man and remained in the military until his honorable discharge in 1973 after 20 years of service to his country, including spending time in Vietnam.

Bill relocated to Idaho and was employed for the City of Lewiston and retired to Gladstone six years ago.

Bill Ward was a member of the DAV, and enjoyed fishing as a past-time. In his earlier years, he participated in rodeo events and later enjoyed watching rodeo shows. He was also an avid NASCAR enthusiast.

Bill survivors include:

2 Daughters: Jackie (Don) Downs of Kodiac, Alaska; Carol (Jess) Hahn Asotin, Washington

Step-Mother: Janie Ward of Gladstone

1 Step-son: Steve (Susan) Sadler of California

3 Step- daughters: Laurie Sadler of Lake Oswego, Oregon; Terri Bursch of Spokane, Washington; Belinda Sadler of Lake Oswego, Oregon

1 Sister-Patricia (John) Lynaugh of Soo Hill

Numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Laverne LaFountain and Mary Lou Benoit.      

Bill also leaves to survive special friends, Dick and Carol Cole, of Gladstone.

Private services will be scheduled at the convenience of the family with the assistance of the Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County.