Vernon L. Ward

Vernon L. Ward, 94 died Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at the Kearny County Hospital in Lakin, Kansas. He was born May 2, 1921 in Breckinridge, Oklahoma the son of Clarence LeRoy & Hattie (Van Haven) Ward.

Vernon grew up in Breckinridge, Oklahoma and attended schools there. After graduating from high school, Vernon attended and graduated from the Agricultural and Mechanical College. He then entered the United States military serving in the United State Navy from January 26, 1942 to October 19, 1945. He served in the US Navy submarine service and was discharged as Chief Electronics Technician. After the service, Vernon lived in Norwich, Connecticut where he worked for 32 years at the U.S. Navy Underwater Systems Center as an electronics technician. He retired in 1976. Vernon later moved to Lakin, Kansas in 1982 and has lived in Lakin since. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Lakin; the Emerald Lodge #289; the American Legion Post #208; the Kearny County Golden Agers; Sportsman’s Club; and was a member of the Kearny County Council on Aging for many years. He enjoyed traveling, woodworking, and fishing.

On June 23, 1945, he married Mary Irene Mulholland in Connecticut. She died on February 6, 1982. Vernon later married Wanda Lea Vannaman Riedl on November 14, 1982 in Lakin, Kansas. Survivors include his wife Wanda Lea Ward of the home; a daughter Patricia & husband James Finlayson of Lawrenceville, Ga.; a step-son Bob & wife Kay Riedl of Lakin, Ks.; a step-daughter Rhonda & husband Dick Elkins of Grants, NM.; a step son-In-law Scott Harris of Lakin, Ks.; a sister Ruth Schoenecker of McLoud, Oklahoma; 1 grandchild; 2 great grandchildren; 9 step-grandchildren; and 7 step-great grandchildren. Vernon is preceded in death by his first wife Mary; his parents; a step-daughter Nancy Harris; 3 brothers Rex Ward, Norman Ward, and Arthur Ward; and a sister Almeda Moore.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at the United Methodist Church in Lakin, Kansas with Rev. Tod Anthony officiating. Burial will follow at the Lakin Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard. Friends may call from Noon to 8:00 p.m. on Monday and from 9:00 a.m. to Noon Tuesday all at Garnand Funeral Home in Lakin. The family requests memorials given to the Lakin United Methodist Church or to the Kearny County Senior Center both in care of Garnand Funeral Home of Lakin.