Frank `Bus` S. Ward

Frank S. 'Bus' Ward was born September 6, 1923, at Rantoul, Kansas. He was the son of Elmer Ellsworth and Myrtle Mae (Mace) Ward. A lifelong resident, he made his home in Ottawa, Franklin County, Kansas, until his death Friday, October 19, 2001, at the age of seventy-eight years. In the late 1950's and early 1960's, Bus was employed as a bread salesman for Manor Bread Co., in Valley Falls, Kansas. On April 19, 1971, he became employed by Santa Fe Railroad, Eastern Division, as a mechanic, painter, and sandblaster, in the buildings and bridges department, retiring in 1985. He was an honorary member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #5901, Ottawa. Bus enjoyed all sports, especially baseball and golf. He also enjoyed traveling, fishing and hunting. On March 17, 1946, Bus was united in marriage with Olive May (LeValley) at Iola, Kansas. She preceded him in death on September 26, 1975. On January 3, 1979, Bus was united in marriage with Edith Leeta (Hase) Gorton. She preceded him in death February 17, 1998. Also preceding him in death are his parents; three sisters, Flora Finch, Annita Whirlo, and Mary Welsh; and three brothers, Cecil and Rosco Ward, both killed in action during World War II, and Perry Ward, Sr. He is survived by two daughters, Sharon Stierwalt of Ottawa, Sheila Ward of Fall River; stepson, James F. Gorton and his wife, Brenda, of Woodward, Oklahoma; stepdaughter, Judy L. Maloney and her husband, Joe, of Princeton; sister, Lucille White of Wellsville; brother, Elmer Ward, Jr. of Ottawa; five grandchildren, Ginger Gilliland, Jim Maloney, Kristi James, Justin Gorton, Christina Rush; and two great-grandchildren, Joshua Rush and Amanda Rush. SERVICES: Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 23, 2001, at Roselawn Cemetery, Ottawa. OFFICIATING CLERGY: Rev. Chuck Nichols. IN STATE: Mr. Ward will lie in state at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 1:00 p.m. Sunday to the service hour. CEMETERY: Roselawn Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Red Cross Relief Fund, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.