Paul Ward, age 52, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Halfway, MO, September 29, 2021.  Paul was born January 29^th, 1969, in Springfield, MO, to Jerry D. and Linda S. (Brakebill) Ward.  He attended Halfway High School, from which he graduated in 1987.  Paul went on to work for the Sweetheart/Solo Cup Company as a machine operator from 1992 until 2007.  From there, he joined AT&T in telephone construction as an optic cable splicer, where he was employed for the past 13 years. 

          Paul married Anitia L. Prater on September 24, 1994, in Brighton, MO, and they welcomed a daughter, Ashley the next year.  Paul attended Walnut Ridge Missionary Baptist Church and was saved as a young man.

          Paul was an avid craftsman and could commonly be found in his shop, hard at work on projects for Anitia and the grandkids.  He was also an outdoorsman and enjoyed being on the lake, fishing for crappie and catfish, metal detecting, and camping with family and friends.  His most cherished moments were giving the grandchildren “bumpy rides” on the golf cart.  He was a dedicated and beloved husband, dad, son, and papa.

          Paul was preceded in death by a brother, Tony Ward; his paternal grandparents Omer and Marceline Ward; maternal grandparents Bill and Helen Brakebill; and an uncle, Bob Boren.

          Paul is survived by his wife of 27 years Anitia of the home; his parents Jerry and Linda Ward; four children: Ashley Choate and husband Evan, Kayla Tatum and husband Riley, Justen Hoover and wife Caitlin, and Andrew Hoover and wife Ashley; nine grandchildren: Jayden, Eastyn, Ryder, Kendal, Ranger, Blake, Kasen, Whitley, and Chase; two aunts: Beverly Boren, and Jeanette Black and husband Gene; as well as many other relatives and friends.

          Visitation will be held Friday, October 1, 2021, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, and funeral services Saturday, October 2, 2021, at 10:00 am all at Pitts Chapel.  Burial will follow at Pleasant Hope Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Walnut Ridge Missionary Baptist Church.  Online condolences may be made at: www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Pitts Chapel Bolivar, MO.