Obituary of William H. Ward

William Bill Hulon Ward passed away peacefully at home in the presence of his family late Sunday evening, January 7 at the young age of 93. He was born and raised in Greenville, Texas; obtained his bachelor?s degree from East Texas State University; married the love of his life, Mary Wise Adkisson; and shared the next 66 years with her. He served in WWII, remained in the Air Force Reserves, and retired as a Lt. Colonel. Following the war, he moved his young family to Camas to assist his brother at the Camas Feed Store, which occupied the block south of Third Avenue between Adams and Birch. Later, he worked in the purchasing department of Crown Zellerbach retiring in 1978. He and Mary Wise enjoyed entertaining friends, partying, camping both tent and RV, and generally living a full and rewarding life. Bill was active in the local leadership of the Boy Scouts of America, earning the Silver Beaver award the highest offered from the Columbia Pacific Council. He also served the community through the local Lions Club, earning a certification of appreciation from the International President. He was a long-term mentor in the local chapter of Junior Achievement, a member of the Shriners, and a sponsor of the Knights Templar. He was an officer in the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star, successfully supporting his daughters through the chairs of the Rainbow Girls. Bill was elected First Citizen of Camas in 1963. A visitation will be held Thursday, January 11, at Straub?s Funeral Home in Camas from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Internment with military honors will be at the Camas Cemetery on Friday, January 12, at 11:00 am followed at 1:00 pm by a memorial service and reception at the Camas Methodist Church. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Mary Wise; sister, Moorene Boyd of Winnsboro, TX; daughter, Judi Baxter Wadley and husband Larry of Camas, WA; son, Bill of Seattle, WA; daughter, Anita Figlar and husband Dick of Pickens, SC; four grandchildren, Selenna & Ward Baxter and Dave & Rick Figlar. Bill was preceded in death by his sisters Loveda and Ruth and his brother HR. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice or the Camas Lions Club c/o Harvey Keene, President, P.O. Box 964, Camas, WA 98607. To send condolences or sign the online guest book, visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.