Michael "Wardy" Ward

Michael "Wardy" Ward, 65, of Buffalo, Missouri, formerly of Atlantic, Iowa, died Thursday, December 8, 2022, at home. 

Michael Laurance was born on May 28, 1957, in Atlantic, Iowa, the son of Donald “Pappy” Laurance and Geraldine “Jeri” Elva (Cross) Ward.  He graduated from Atlantic High School in the Class of 1975.  Following graduation, he started working for A.M. Cohron & Son, Inc. and later with Kelly Burk in the steel building industry.  When the business moved to Springfield, Missouri in 1985, Mike went along and worked for Burk Erectors for over 30 years until his failing health forced him to retire. 

He took any chance he could to ride his 1953 Harley Davidson Panhead Motorcycle and was in the process of restoring it at the time of his death.  Mike had a soft spot for animals and rescued countless pets through the years.  His love of drawing carried on from his childhood; sketching with pencils and charcoals and later filling in countless intricately designed adult coloring books.   Mike’s family and friends were very important to him and he made sure to take the time to keep in touch.   

Mike’s “light up the room kind of smile”, giving-spirit and jokester personality will be greatly missed. 

Mike was survived by his father, Don “Pappy” Ward; sisters, Linda (John) Minear of Livonia, Missouri and Diana (David) Young of Casey, Iowa; longtime companion of over 30 years, Susan Long of Buffalo, Missouri; four nieces and one nephew, Jackie (Joe) Roy of Springfield, Vermont, Julie Minear of Springfield, MO, Amanda (Neil) Roof of Avoca, Iowa, Ashley (Scott) Jacobson of Ankeny, Iowa, and Joshua (Brenda) Young of Council Bluffs, Iowa; five great-nieces and nephews, Brady and Justin Roy, Braden and Brantley Young and Chloe Jacobson; aunts and uncles, Atha Johnson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa , Nola Brown of Anita, Iowa, Kenneth (Judy) Ward of Mesquite, Nevada, Richard (Janie) Ward of Anita, Iowa, and Barb Ward of Grant, Iowa; and a host of extended family.

He is preceded in death by mother, Jeri Ward; twin great-nieces, Erika and Michelle Roy; and aunts, uncles and other relatives.  A few weeks after Mike’s death his father, Don “Pappy” Ward died. 

A Celebration of Life Memorial Visitation and Luncheon will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 8, 2023, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.  Burial for Mike and his parents, Don and Jeri will be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, following the visitation at Southlawn Memorial Gardens in Atlantic.  

To honor Mike’s love of motorcycles, you are invited to ride your bike to the visitation and join in leading the procession to the cemetery.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Mike’s family and their arrangements.  Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.