Bob Ward

            Bob Ward, 76, of Bonne Terre, passed away January 23, 2017 at home surround by the love of his family. He was born July 3, 1940, in Bonne Terre, to the late Harry G. and Scbeulah Louise (Weitzel) Ward. Bob was a Democratic Representative in the 107 District in the Missouri House of Representatives, which covered St. Francois County and parts of Ste. Genevieve County. Elected to his seventh consecutive two-year term in 1994, Bob served as majority Floor Leader from 1991 through 1995. During the 84th and 85th General Assemblies, Bob was elected Majority Whip. He was also a member of the House Correctional and State Institutions Committee.

             Bob served two terms on the North County R-1 Board of Education, and was also a member of the following organizations; Desloge Methodist Church, St. Francois County Democratic Club, Charter Member of the Mineral Area Elks No. 2583, Desloge Chamber of Commerce, and FOE Ozark Hills Aerie # 3350. Bob was one of the original organizers of the Desloge Labor Day Picnic and was very instrumental in the growth of our Community.  

            Significant legislative accomplishments for Bob include; bills on libraries and community colleges. A graduate of Desloge High School, Bob received a Bachelor of Science degree in business from Murray State University in 1963, then attended Southwest Missouri State University.

         He is survived by his wife Joy (Vincent) Ward; children, Kevin Ward and wife Brenda, Shannon (Mrs. Dennis) Gerli; grandchildren, Rebecca (Mathias) Psalmonds, Katie (Jeremy) Boren, Allison (John Severs) Gerli, Mia Gerli; great-grandchildren, Mattilynn Psalmonds, Jarod Psalmonds, and Max Boren; brother, Bud (Pat) Ward; and many nieces and nephews also survive. Bob will be missed by the many constituents he served and the great friendships he established in the business community.  

            A memorial visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home in Desloge, Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 10:00 AM.  A Celebration of Life will be held in the chapel at 11:00 AM.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Bob Ward Political Science Scholarship Fund at Mineral Area College. 

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