Thomas Lee Ward Sr.

Thomas Lee Ward, Sr. passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. Son of the late Fred and Izola (nee Wilburn) Ward. Beloved husband of the late Patricia Ward (nee Floyd). Loving father of Karen, Marc and Tom Ward, Jr. Brother of Glenda Wright and Barbara Holloway. Adoring grandfather of his granddogs: Samurai, Chicken Girl, Biddie, Oliver, Roscoe and Romeo.

Tom was a veteran of the Navy. He entered the Navy at 17 with the permission of his mother. Two years later while on leave, his childhood friend and sweetheart, Patricia came to meet him and the two were married. After serving his country, Tom came back to St. Louis and worked in a bakery for awhile. After the bakery, he went to work for Chrysler for a few years, then went to work for Monsanto for 36 years before retiring.

To say that he was kind and a friendly man does not fully capture his personality. He never met a stranger and would happily sit and talk with anyone. A man of many talents, he could fix anything. His best times though were with his family, whether it be riding roller coasters or going to the area State Parks for weekend trips, it was always with family and about family. Tom loved to paint, draw, do charcoal etchings, and though he might not admit it, was a pretty good artist. He enjoyed simple things like his daily donut, coffee and a cigarette. He was also a man of faith. He struggled with that faith at the death of his beloved Patricia, even proclaiming he didn't believe there was a God. With help of the a Christian community and a bible study he found that faith again and professed his belief and love for Christ.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2017 from 2:00-6:00 pm at Heiligtag-Lang-Fendler Funeral Home, 1081 Jeffco Blvd., Arnold, Mo.. The funeral service will be conducted on Monday, October 16, 1:30 pm at the funeral home. Interment will immediately follow at National Cemetery, Jefferson Barracks, Mo. with full military honors.

In his memory donations are encouraged to the American Heart Association,460 N Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63141.

Arrangements under the direction of Heiligtag-Lang-Fendler Funeral Home, Arnold, MO.