Tyrone Jack Ward

Tyrone "Jack" Ward, 75 of Kirksville, Missouri went to be with the Lord and his beloved son, Terry, on Wednesday, December 23rd.

He was born in Kirkwood, MO on January 4, 1940, to Paul and Irene Ward. He grew up in Kirkwood and played football at Kirkwood High School and later attended Northeast Missouri State where he continued to excel in sports and received his BS in Education in 1963. While in college he was President of his fraternity, Phi Sigma Epsilon and President of the student body. He went on to get his Masters in Arts at Northeast Missouri State. His first coaching position was Assistant to John Spainhower at Kirksville R-III High School, where later he became the head coach. He owned and operated Raack's Sporting Goods for approximately 17 years. Later in his career he taught and coached at Van-Far School District as well as School of the Osage. Upon retirement, he served as a member of the Kirksville R-III School Board.

In 1962 he married Jean Baker and had three children: Terry, Jacquie & Julie Ward. Later, he married Kathy Young, they enjoyed 25 plus years together. Kathy never left Jack's side during his last few days here on earth and for that we are forever grateful!

Jack loved life and knew no strangers! He would walk in a room and leave with 5-10 new friends. He was a faithful member, for 50 plus years, of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kirksville, MO. He enjoyed hunting, coaching, spending time with family, going to church, watching sports, volunteering at the hospital and for Special Olympics. He also served on the Twin Pines Board. He was a dedicated 3rd degree Mason as well as a full-fledged Shiner, throughout his life, he walked in many parades, called bingo games, hosted fishing events for underprivileged children, dressed up as Santa, was a clown, etc. Jack was a loving husband, father, son, brother and a friend.

He leaves his faithful, loving wife, Kathy Ward; his daughters, Jacquie Ward of Columbia, Julie Ward and her partner Stephanie Verhine of St. Louis, Kristi Tsai and her husband Dr. Harold Tsai of Fort Myers and son, Aaron Young of Kirksville and four sweet grandchildren Kathryn Jane, Chloe, Harrison and Ethan Tsai of Fort Myers. He also leaves a sister, Judy of St. Louis. Jack is also survived by brother in law, Roger Myers, sister in laws, Alice Myers and Carol Craig, close friend, Joy Ebest and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father and mother, Paul & Irene Ward and son, Terrance Jack
who he loved dearly.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday (December 30, 2015) at First Christian Church with Reverend Jim Pitney officiating. Burial will be in Park View memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday with a Masonic service to be held at 5:00 p.m. at the

Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home
2100 E. Shepherd Ave.
Kirksville, MO 63501 660-665-2233

In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to: First Christian Church 100 N. High St. Kirksville, MO 63501 or Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children 2001 S. Lindbergh Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63131.