April 18, 1940 ~ March 3, 2016
On Wednesday, March 3, 2016, the hands that worked, the mind that taught and the heart that loved for over 75 years grew still. Carson Lee Ward was born on April 18, 1940, to Jack and Eileen (Lebeda) Ward in Caldwell, Kansas. As the second of seven children, with siblings Diana (Karl) Wentzel, Jody (Janie), Terry (Pak), Monty (Diedra), J Rex, and Liana, life growing up was never boring! Carson attended Cashatt country school from 1st through 8th grade, then on to Caldwell High School, graduating in the class of 1958. He furthered his education at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, where he participated in track and was a monitor at Broadhurst Hall. During this time, he not only earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree, but also caught the eye of Miss Nina Marie Branine of Cheney, Kansas, whom he married on December 22, 1961. This union was blessed with four children: Kristi (Bob) Merritt, Quinn (Vicki), Karla (Gary) Davis, and Cory (Tammy); 12 grandchildren: Tanner Merritt, Devan Whaley, Ashleigh (Iwan) Broodryk, Quinci (Matt) Hiedeman, Kelsi (Austin) Barlow, Austin Merritt, Carli Ward, Tyson Merritt, Darin Ward, Colten Ward, Tylyn Ward and Christian Ward; and 3 great grandchildren: Noah Hiedeman, McKinley Hiedeman and Annelise Barlow.
Carson taught math at Mulvane High School before moving to Caldwell to be closer to the family farm. He taught math and physics at Caldwell High School before entering full time wheat and cattle farming on the LX Ranch, where he eventually built the current family home in 1975. The original stone house provided many years of genealogy and historical research, one of his favorite pastimes.
Carson’s faith and steadfast support for community and family show in everything he has accomplished. He enjoyed working with the Caldwell Historical Society, served as president of the Sumner County Fair Board, as well as the Board of Education for USD 360. He was an active member of the Caldwell United Methodist Church and loved hosting and attending Sunday School parties. Peanuts and pitch around the card tables became a weekly staple with friends and a birthday didn’t pass without request for a white cake, with white frosting! Carson proudly wore his Bluejay blue and was the biggest fan when it came to the events of his kids and grandkids. The familiar red diary on the night stand is now forever closed, but a legacy resides in the previous volumes on the shelf.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 5, 2016 at the United Methodist Church in Caldwell, Kansas.
Memorials may be given in memory of Carson to the United Methodist Church or to the Sumner County Fair Association and left at the mortuary.
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Condolences
Prayers and condolences to
Randy Ryan - 03/04/2016
Prayers and condolences to the family of Carson. He was a nice person!!
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To the family:
Debbie Kolarik ... - 03/05/2016
There are people that you are sure there was never a time you did not know them. Carson, for me, was one of those. I knew him as a teacher, a friend, and a patient.
I want to thank you for asking me to take care of Mr. C, during the final journey that he took. Yes, there were some rough times, but I was honored when he would call me "My little Mama" when I came in the door. I knew that he could not remember my name, but that greeting could melt my heart.
Again, THANK YOU! It was an honor and a privilage to work with this family and I will cherish my memories of my Mr. C, as long as I live. Hugs and our Prayers are with y'all! Deb.
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Our prayer's are with Carson
Larry & Yvonne Hess - 03/07/2016
Our prayer's are with Carson's family at this sad time, may he rest in peace.
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To the Ward family,
Cheryl Mattingl... - 03/28/2016
To the Ward family, condolences on your loss of Carson. I attended school with Carson and the rest of the Ward kids at the Cashatt one room school and always remember the fun we Mattingly’s and Ward Kids had. Rest in Peace Carson.
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To the Ward family
Steve Adams - 05/17/2016
So sorry to read of Carson's passing. He was a good man who loved his family and will be truly missed. I always enjoyed talking and working with him!
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