Raymond E. “Ray” Ward, 79, Erie, died Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012 at Prairie Mission Retirement Village in St. Paul.

He was born Jan. 16, 1933, in St. Paul, to Add and Elsie Holding Ward. As a young boy, he grew up and attended school in St. Paul. For a time, he farmed with his uncle Bud Holding. He then served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.

He and Mary Ann Brooks were married Dec. 18, 1953 in Girard. In 1954, the couple moved to California where he worked at Pacific Lumber Company for 15 years before returning to St. Paul. Upon his return to the area, he worked for both the Katy and Union Pacific Railroads. While working for the UP Railroad, he was later transferred to Little Rock, Ark., and, upon his retirement, had served a total of 22 years with the railroad. Since 1991, the couple had made their home in Erie.

He was a member of the Erie Federated Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, bowling, playing his guitar, and in earlier years, sang in a band. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, wife – Mary Ann Ward, of the home; two daughters, Loretta Kopaccewski and husband, Ron Winneconne, Wisconsin, Sharon Vallier, Carl Junction, Mo.; five grandchildren, Scott Madl, J.T. Madl, Shaun Madl, Bryan Vallier and Nathan Vallier; three great-grandchildren, Taylor Madl, Wray Ann Vallier and Emmy Madl; one stepgranddaughter, Liz Kopaccewski; four brothers, Don Ward, Grove, Okla., Tom Ward, Fortuna, Calif., Arnie Ward, St. Paul, Ronnie Ward, Plymouth Falls, Ore., one sister, Opal Beard Erie.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Marvin and Albert Ward, and one grandson.

Following cremation, a memorial service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29,at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, near Erie.

Memorials are suggested to Erie Federated Church. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.