Obituary of Leo C. Ward

Leo Carver Ward was born on March 9, 1948, in East Prairie, Missouri to Robert Ward Sr. and Charity Mary (Chappell) Ward. He was the one of 14 children born to this union, having twelve boys and two girls. His parents, Robert and Charity Ward; one sister, Florence Elizabeth Ward, and eldest daughter, Tonya Cherie Ward preceded him in death. Leo graduated from East Prairie High School “Class of 1967”. After graduating, he was drafted in the United States Army on February 7th, 1968. He was honorably discharged on September 10th, 1969. Leo obtained the rank of Private 1st Class and was trained in the field as a Power Plant Engineer. While serving in Vietnam, his accomplishments included receiving the Medal of Honor-National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medical, the Army Commendation Medal, as well as the Vietnam Service Medal. He was a soldier in the 341st Division. When Leo returned to the civilian life, he relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, and worked various jobs, some of which included manufacturing jobs. After several years, he became bored with the life of a bachelor and was smitten by a lovely young lady named, Hattie Grayson Baker. Leo and Hattie became quite fond of each other and on December 31, 1973, they took their relationship to the next level! They decided to get married at the home of her grandfather, the late George Henry Sr. from Bell City, Missouri, by the late Elder Norris T. Pullen Sr. Leo became a member of Faith True Church of God In Christ, under the leadership of his father-in-law, Elder Henry “Feet Man” Grayson, in East St. Louis, Illinois. He faithfully served as a deacon in addition to any position that was needed in the church. He labored tirelessly under his father-in-law’s leadership. Leo worked various jobs to provide for his family, as a carpenter for 16 years, an asbestos removal engineer, and a school bus driver in East St. Louis for the public school system. He retired in 2010 as an over the road truck driver. Leo’s hobbies included, being a “taste tester” in Hattie’s kitchen! He enjoyed watching television and martial arts, so much he tried to break cinder blocks in practicing for this newfound challenge! He was indeed a real home body His favorite bible verse was. Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path.” On Tuesday August 3, 2021, at 10:00am, God in his infinite power dispensed angels to Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo., to bring back the soul of our beloved Leo Carver Ward at the age of 73 years, 4 months, and 25 days. He has now transitioned to a place of peace, love, and happiness for eternity. Leo leaves to cherish his precious memories, his loving wife, Hattie Ward of Belleville, IL..; twin sons, Samuel Earle Ward of Pittsburgh, PA and Timothy Denell Ward of Columbia, MO; one daughter, Charity LaKay Ward of Springfield, IL.; God Children, Viesha Guyton and Tieka Davis of Cahokia, IL.; seven grandsons. Brandon Ward and Tyras Tolden of East St. Louis, IL., Jamie Ahheim of Belleville, IL, Zhvaughn Ward and Sirr Ward of Columbia, MO., Samson Ward and Solomon Ward of Pittsburgh, PA; and one very special granddaughter, Nellie McNeal of Belleville, IL.; eleven brothers, Robert (Louise) Ward, Philemon (Wilma) Ward, John Ward of Blackjack, MO., Frank B (Felicia) Ward of Ballwin, MO., Winfred (Marguerite) Ward, Lonnie Ward of Sikeston, MO., Joe Milton Ward of Fairview Heights, IL, Ervin (Gail) Ward of Cape Girardeau, MO., Louis (Jennifer) Ward of Berkely, Mo., Stephen (Naomi) Ward of Dellwood, MO., and Ashley Keith Ward of Oran, MO.; one sister, Pauline (Lawrence) Gillette of St. Charles, MO., and a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and other relatives.