Cecil Gene Ward, 80, of Reeds, Missouri, passed away Friday, June 21, 2024, at Carthage Health and Rehabilitation Center in Carthage, Missouri.

Cecil was born on Monday, April 3, 1944, in Bell County, California to the union of Charles Eslie Barrett and Annie Mabel Schmid. On October 17, 1964, he was united in marriage to Wanda Pauline Hull. Together they shared nearly sixty years of wonderful memories until her passing on May 7, 2024. Sergeant Cecil Gene Ward proudly served in the in the United States Army. He received a Commendation Medal for his service during June of 1969 through March of 1970. He served two tours in Vietnam, bringing eight men safely home on both tours. He was a marble Craftsman, retiring from Carthage Marble. He was a very loyal and dedicated employee. Cecil and Wanda lived on Olive Street in Carthage for several years. They were foster parents to nearly one hundred children and adopted one son, Anthony Ward. When Cecil retired, he and Wanda moved to Reeds, to be close to family. He was a member of Reeds Baptist Church, where he also served as a deacon. Cecil was a God loving man and loved his family dearly.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Pauline; his parents; and sister, Cecile Woodmansee.

Cecil is survived by his son, Anthony Leland "Andy" Ward and wife, Angela Rose Ward, of Overland Park, Kansas; grandchildren, J. Joseph Ward, Julia Ward, Jay Smith and Johnathan Kane, all of Overland Park, Kansas; brother, Charles Barrett of Carthage, Missouri; sisters, Kathy Michael Joplin, Missouri and Gerry Ward Hacker of Santa Rosa, California; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Memorial services are 11:00 Monday, July 1, 2024, at Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home with pastor Josh Patrick officiating. Inurnment with full military will follow at Reeds Cemetery, Reeds, Missouri. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.housh-goodwinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie, Missouri.