Skip was born March 1 1935 and raised on a farm West of Bethany, to Frank and Wilhelmina (Hill) Ward and passed away Saturday, April 3, 2021 at his home in Bethany, Missouri.
He grew up on the family’s livestock farm with his sisters Bette and Barbara and brother, Bill. He attended school in Bethany, graduating with many a friend in the class of ’54.
Skip spent most of his career working for MoDOT as a construction inspector, overseeing varying state highway projects from the construction of I-35 from Cameron to the State line to bridges over many of NW Missouri’s rivers.
In the 70’s and 80’s he owned and operated “Skip’s Place” in Bethany, where he never met a stranger, and truly enjoyed helping folks select their favorite beverage, or discuss their next rifle purchase. Many outdoor adventures and lifelong friendships began at Skip’s place.
His true enjoyment was the time he spent hunting with friends and family. From the early years, chasing his favorite pointer ‘Slick’ in pursuit of quail and pheasant, across NW Mo. to the later years tracking coyotes with his team of dogs lead by this beloved ‘July’ hound. Yet, his greatest stories were made in the mountains of Colorado. For over 35 years, he rode his favorite appaloosa ‘Bill’ up and over the Continental Divide around Walden, chasing Elk with his son, Randy, and close friends.
In 1955, Skip married Helen Bell. During their 25 years together, they had three children, Richard (who passed early in life), Randy and Lisa, who both reside in Topeka, In 1984, Skip and Betty Templeton married and they enjoyed 37 years together until his passing. Skip spent many hours over the years with his grandson, Ian and great nephew, J. D., teaching them how to hunt, fish and cruise the country roads looking for new adventures.
It was often said, that Skipper had more fun in his lifetime than most of us put together and if you knew him – you’d know that would be putting it lightly.
He relished the chance to share a story over a cold drink or warm cup of coffee. If you knew Kip your life was better for it. He often helped many of us enjoy each day the way it should be.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO. Burial will follow in White Oak Cemetery, New Hampton, MO. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the White Oak Cemetery in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.
After the services, a celebration of life will be held at Lips to Hips, Bethany, MO where friends and family can share stories and memories. Please feel free to stop in and help celebrate a life well lived.