Wayne Franklin Ward

Wayne Franklin Ward “Frank” passed away on December 20, 2024, in Farmington, Missouri surrounded by loved ones.

Frank was born on May 31, 1943, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri to Mary Hazel Chilton Ward “Hazel” and Victor Wayne Ward “Wayne.” He was the first of two sons, with George Frederick Ward arriving three years later in 1946. Frank continued to give back to Clearwater High School in Piedmont, Missouri where his love for basketball and golf began. Frank attended the University of Missouri, Columbia for college, where he had his first daughter, Pamela Gwen (Ward) Schilligo “Gwen.” While on the golf team and working in construction, he graduated in four years with a degree in Education/Biology.

His first job as a biology teacher took him to Hazelwood High School and later to Hazelwood West when that was built. Here, he spent over 30 years coaching men’s and women’s basketball teams as well as golf for both the high school and adults in the community. Many former students regularly reached out to thank Frank for his guidance and years of quiet support.

During this time, Frank met the love of his life and married Madelyn Kay (Leftwich) Ward “Kay” before being drafted during Vietnam and stationed in Colorado Springs, CO. After this active duty, he served 31 years in the Army Reserves. Returning to St. Louis, Missouri, Frank and Kay had a son, Ryan Wayne Ward and five years later, a daughter, Amy Elizabeth (Ward) Williams. Frank was active in their sports activities, hunting, and traveling. Papaw Frank is adored by his six grandchildren. He was passionate about passing on his knowledge and served as a role model for Rachel, Eric, Rian, Brooke, Braxton, and Jameson.

Kay and Frank enjoyed life to the fullest. They took more than 10 cruises and visited nearly 20 countries together. They enjoyed numerous trips to Cardinals Spring Training in Florida, and several vacations with family to Walt Disney World among many others. Frank achieved his master’s degree in education in 1995 from University of Missouri, St. Louis (UMSL). Frank had a love for classic, vintage vehicles which he used to take his wife for ice cream, carry his kids’ sports teams in parades, and taking friends and family out for a spin. Frank leaves behind many loved ones including: Ron and Susie Leftwich; Tara, David, and Elliot Leftwich; J.V Williams; Jerry Schilligo; George Ward; Kevin and Sandy Ward; Scott and Alicia Macke; as well as many cousins and friends.

Frank’s love of nature and conservation of the Earth fueled his hobby as an avid hunter of deer, quail, and more. He has wonderful memories (known to some as the “Deer Slayer”) of dissecting animals, teaching his family to hunt, and enjoying mother nature with his friends and family. Frank has built a legacy of this same love in his kids and grandkids. This husband, dad, brother, friend, hunter, uncle, coach, cousin, and papaw will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held at Cozean Memorial Chapel on Friday, December 27, 2024 beginning at 9 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Rev. Bob Webb officiating.

Interment with military honors will follow at 1 p.m. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.   In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials, if desired be sent in Frank's name to * Support Youth Hunting - Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation or to http://act.alz.org/goto/FrankWardDonations.

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