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 1^st through 8^th 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 were held 11 a.m. Saturday, March 5, 2016 at the United Methodist Church in Caldwell, Kansas.

Interment was in the Caldwell City Cemetery, Caldwell.

Memorials may be given in memory of Carson to the United Methodist Church or to the Sumner County Fair Association.

To share a memory or leave a condolence please visit www.schaeffermortuary.info

Arrangements by Schaeffer Mortuary 6 N. Main Caldwell, Kansas.