Robert Ward

Robert Vincent “Vince” Ward, 77, of Independence, MO died quietly Tuesday, July 08, 2008 at his home surrounded by his loved ones after battling cancer for over 20 years. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 12, 2008 at Nativity of Mary Catholic Church. Visitation will be 5-7:00 p.m. Friday, July 11, 2008 at Speaks Suburban Chapel where the rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Vince’s full life touched many, many individuals with his passionate faith, good nature, leadership skills, professionalism and generosity. His schooling included De LaSalle Military Academy, St. Benedict College, and Rockhurst University. He proudly served in the Army through 1955, started his career at Western Auto, and concluded at Sprint in 1992. He was well respected in the marketing, public relations, administrative and advertising professions. He belonged to Nativity of Mary Catholic Church in Independence, MO for 50 years. He was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and belonged to many associations, professional groups, historical societies and up to his sickness, was an avid blood donor. In 1974, he was commissioned a Washington State Brigadier General for work involving the advancement of public communications within the state. He was proud of this commission and promoted to the rank of four star General. In his spare time he enjoyed gardening, wood working and building model airplanes. Vince was a life-long resident of Independence, MO, born on May 30, 1931. Sue Ward, his best friend and wife of 54 years, survives him, as do his children: Robert J. & Joan, Timothy D. & Joyce, Michelle S. & James Licata, and Thomas V. & Sandra Ward. He leaves 13 grandchildren: Robert F. & Evelyn Suzanne Ward, Constance J. Scott, Victoria S., and Vincent W. Ward, Christopher P., Daniel V. and Joseph Shaffer Licata, Stephanie A., Veronica N., John F., Emilia B., and Peter A. Ward. Additionally, he leaves his brother Rev. Thomas J. Ward, his sisters, Mary Meyer and Teresa Daniel, their husbands, and nieces & nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to Sisters of the Servants of Mary, Kansas City Hospice or to the church.