Obituary for Kenneth Alan Ward
Kenneth Allen Ward came into this world December 28, 1952 to parents Don and Shirley (Stover) Ward.
Kenny passed away unexpectedly on February 21, 2023 at age 70 in Bonner Springs KS.
Kenny was always the entrepreneur. At age 13, Ken and little brother David, began delivering the
largest thrown paper route for the Chanute Tribune, which included all subscribers North of Cherry
Street and parts between Main and Cherry. At age 15, Ken and his brother bought a 1949 Cushman 3-
wheel motorcycle at an auction and began an ice cream business which evolved to two trucks and
numerous catering events until graduation from Chanute High School in 1971. He graduated from NCCJC
in 1973 and continued his education at Kansas State University Class of 1975. After college while
working full time at the Western Petro Chemical (old wax plant), he partnered with his brother to
remodel and sell houses until moving to Lawrence KS. to work for the FMC Refinery (now Chemtrade
Logistics). Again in 1988 he partnered with his father to open Ward Motor Co to wholesale and retail
used cars while still working full time. In June of 2005, Kenneth married Barbara Mulcahy in Lawrence
KS. Kenny worked at the Chemtrade Refinery until his retirement in 2020.
Kenny was a kind and honest person who always put others ahead of himself. A man who endured
adversity and pain without complaint. A big brother who was both protector and mentor.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara of the home, one brother David and wife Judy of Chanute, one sister,
one step daughter, five step grandchildren, one niece, one nephew, and six great nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents and one brother Neil Boyd Ward.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Kenny passed away unexpectedly on February 21, 2023 at age 70 in Bonner Springs KS.
Kenny was always the entrepreneur. At age 13, Ken and little brother David, began delivering the
largest thrown paper route for the Chanute Tribune, which included all subscribers North of Cherry
Street and parts between Main and Cherry. At age 15, Ken and his brother bought a 1949 Cushman 3-
wheel motorcycle at an auction and began an ice cream business which evolved to two trucks and
numerous catering events until graduation from Chanute High School in 1971. He graduated from NCCJC
in 1973 and continued his education at Kansas State University Class of 1975. After college while
working full time at the Western Petro Chemical (old wax plant), he partnered with his brother to
remodel and sell houses until moving to Lawrence KS. to work for the FMC Refinery (now Chemtrade
Logistics). Again in 1988 he partnered with his father to open Ward Motor Co to wholesale and retail
used cars while still working full time. In June of 2005, Kenneth married Barbara Mulcahy in Lawrence
KS. Kenny worked at the Chemtrade Refinery until his retirement in 2020.
Kenny was a kind and honest person who always put others ahead of himself. A man who endured
adversity and pain without complaint. A big brother who was both protector and mentor.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara of the home, one brother David and wife Judy of Chanute, one sister,
one step daughter, five step grandchildren, one niece, one nephew, and six great nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents and one brother Neil Boyd Ward.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.