Sept. 3 Obituaries

Bill Ward, 52

Mr. Bill Ward, 52, of Portales, died Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004, at his home.

He was born on June 9, 1952, in Ruidoso, to Jessie and John H. Ward.

He grew up in Ruidoso. He was living in Central Valley, Calif. when he graduated from high school. He returned to Ruidoso for several years. While living there he worked as a carpenter and as a mechanic. He married Raenell Smith on March 20, 1987, in Portales. They made their home in Amarillo until 1992, where he worked as a long-haul truck driver. He began working for the city of Portales on Jan. 1, 1992. Family members said he spent a great deal of time in his shop at home helping family and friends with mechanic work.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Raymond, Melvin and Tom Ward.

Survivors include his wife, Raenell Ward of Portales; a son, Billy Scott Ward of Portales; three daughters, Charlene LaNell Stokes of Portales, Amanda Renee Parker (and husband, Bobby) of Roswell and Becky Rose Ward of Portales; five grandchildren, Tanner and Ayla Stokes and Daniel, Roy and Robbie Parker; four brothers, Jim Ward of Mayhill, Will Dan Ward of Las Cruces, Lee Henry Ward of Ruidoso and Clyde Ward of Amarillo; two sisters, Jessie Fay Stoner of Lampasas, Texas, and Nancy Beggs of Pep; and numerous nieces and nephews, including, Scott Ward of Ruidoso.

Services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Portales. The Rev. Brad Morgan will officiate the services.

Honorary pallbearers are Robert Montinez, Bill Cisero, Curtis Wagner, Bobby Parker, Tom Howell, Scott Ward, Charles Lyon, Joe Parie, Robert Montoya, Jerry Rose, Rick Bryant, Randy Lee, Sam Garcia and Scott Putzier; all of his nieces and nephews; and the Portales city employees.

Arrangements are by Wheeler Mortuary of Portales.