Richard Wilmer Ward, 88, passed away Wednesday, February 13, 2019, at Protection Valley Manor in Protection, KS. Born August 7, 1930, at Lake City, KS, the son of Wilmer and Ethyl (Mills) Ward, he was a farmer and rancher.

Richard was a lifetime resident of the Protection, KS area. He graduated from Protection High School and received a bachelor's degree in animal husbandry from Kansas State College in 1952.

Richard was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954. He was a member of the Protection United Methodist Church; American Legion; and a 60-year member of Masonic Lodge #295.

He is survived by four daughters: Connie Rickard (Ken) of Newton, KS, Carol Haynes of Sugarland, TX, Cheryl Hamilton (Stuart) of Topeka, KS, and Christine Headrick of Wichita, KS; eleven grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister: Jean Budden; and one brother: Clyde Ward.

Calling times are from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday, February 21, 2019, at Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, Coldwater, KS.

Graveside service is at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 22, 2019, at Protection Cemetery, Protection, KS, with Pastor Wayne Stephens presiding and full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Protection Valley Manor in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.