Roger M. Ward

Roger Merle Ward, 62, died in October of 2025, in his home at Garden Apartments of Northgate located in North Kansas City, Missouri.

He attended elementary school at Graden Elementary in Parkville, MO and Big Shoal Elementary in Kansas City, MO. He attended Antioch Junior High School and Winnetonka High School in Kansas City, MO.

He was a lifelong member and faithful attendee of New Hope Church of the Nazarene, formerly Dundee Hills and he supported the Kansas City Rescue Mission, now called Shelter KC with financial donations as well as time and labor. Roger's hobbies included watching baseball and football and supporting the KC Royals and KC Chiefs. He also would remind us that he was named after a New York Yankee player, Roger Maris. He played Little League baseball and later with the church teams. He loved playing guitar and listening to gospel music and favorites from the seventies. He was an avid student of the Bible, devoting many hours each day to Bible memory and recitation. Roger completed 120 units of the Emmuas Bible Correspondence school course in 2012. He had a heart for the less fortunate and was known to contribute his change, to offer a sandwich, to provide a bottle of water. For years, and until he was unable to drive, he helped deliver bread goods that were donated by local area restaurants. This work was began by his father. Roger continued the bread ministry after his father died.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Merle E. Ward and Jodell Ward and brother-in-law, Keri Finley. Roger is survived by three sisters, Judy Ward Turner (Donald Turner), Cynthia Jo Porter (James Porter), Roberta J. Sullivan (David Sullivan) as well as two nephews, two nieces, and one great nephew. Roger dearly loved his family and was generous with his time to pray for their needs, as he became aware of them. Rarely did he ever miss giving a birthday gift or Christmas present to his family. We will greatly miss his giving heart.

The family wishes to sincerely thank the faithful friends who supported Roger as he faced the challenges associated with his disabilities and declining health in the last few years. Their love and acceptance meant the world to him. A special thanks is given to Roger's closest friends who helped in so many loving and sacrificial ways. Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Jim Landers and Rev. Charles Hayton.

A special mention is made to the caregivers from Focus Healthcare Solutions who were especially dedicated, kind and attentive and brought much needed support as the last year introduced may more difficulties. Their support enabled Roger to stay in an independent living environment which meant so much to him.

Memorial Services for Roger are planned for Saturday, November 15th, at his church, New Hope Church of the Nazarene located at 4330 North Oak Trfy. in Kansas City, Missouri. Visitation will begin at noon, followed by the service at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making contributions to Shelter KC at 1520 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64108, or at ShelterKC.org

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13