Melvin L. Ward

He was a professional musician at 16, and served in the Army Corp of Engineers during World War II and Korea. He became a well-respected construction superintendent and led many commercial construction projects in the valley.

Mel was very active in his church, played bass and sang with the the Dixieland Jazz Society and performed several years in the New Wrinkles Show. He was a life-long member of the Musicians Union, and retired from the Carpenters Union.

After retirement, he and his wife Glynda enjoyed traveling the country, in their long, long trailer, making many new friends along the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, S. Madison; and sister, Jeanne.

He is survived by his wife, Glynda, of 64 years; five children, Tanya Nelson and her husband Marvin of Fresno, Ca, Rodger Ward and his wife June of Prather, Ca, Gary Ward and his wife Gail of Mountlake Terrace, Wa, Chris Ward and his wife Jan of Fresno, Ca and Tracy Ward of Santa Ynez, Ca; ten grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Dale Ward of Camden, Ar, and Wayne Ward of Spokane, Wa.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home, on Thursday, January 27, 2011, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A Graveside Service will be held at Clovis Cemetery on Friday, January 28, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Memorial United Methodist Church, 1726 Pollasky Ave, in Clovis, Ca, on Friday, January 28, 2011,at 11:30 a.m.

Condolences may be offered by visiting www. whitehurstsullivan.com