This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: DEGONIA, WARD, MARTIN, BONE, FARRIS, MCMAHAN, HEDRICK, KANE, BANKS, RICHARDS Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/lNB.2ACI/4057 Message Board Post: Alfred C. "Ace" Ward of Potosi, Missouri, departed this life at Potosi Manor Nursing Home Thursday, September 1, 2005 having reached the age of 81 years, 3 months and 13 days. He was born May 19, 1924 in Cadet, Missouri, a son of the late Cecil J. and Rosie Lena (DeGonia) Ward. On February 17, 1944, he was united in marriage to Melvina L. Martin, and to this union seven children were born. Melvina preceded him in death. "Ace," as he was known to family and friends, was a Veteran of World War II. After he was discharged form the Army he spent many years as an over-the-road trucker hauling freight. He was a loving and devoted husband, a dear father, brother, uncle and friend. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. In addition to his beloved wife and parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Katherine Bone, Delphanie Farris and Lena Rose Ward; a brother, Donald Ward; two grandsons, Gary Edward Ward and Matthew McMahan and son-in-law, John Hedrick. Those who remain to mourn his passing include four daughters, Anita Kane and husband Joe of Albany Georgia; Nancy McMahan of Potosi; Lucy Hedrick of Belton and Sandra Kuntz and husband Jim of San Antonio, Texas; three sons, Gary Ward and wife Linda of St. Clair, Joe Ward and wife Kathy of Ropesville, TX and Robert Ward of Ropesville, TX; three sisters, Alice Banks and husband Oscar of Valley Park, Loretta Richard and husband Elmer of Cadet and Joyce Farris and husband Ben of Potosi; two brothers, James Ward and wife Gearlean of Cadet and Theodore Ward and wife Joyce of St. Charles; fifteen grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, September 4, 2005 at the Britton Funeral Chapel in Potosi with Rev. Don Strauser officiating. Serving as pallbearers were: Jay Ward, Chris Ward, Stephen Ward, James McMahan Jr., Richard McMahan, Kevin McMahan and Bobby Ward, Jr. Interment and final prayers were held at the Redbud Memorial Garden Cemetery, Hwy 8 West, Potosi. All arrangements were entrusted to the care of the Britton Funeral Home of Potosi. Independent Journal, Potosi, MO, Thursday, September 8, 2005