John Russell Ward

A graveside service for John Russell Ward, 77, of Yerington will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley.

Mr. Ward died April 8, 2005, at the South Lyon Medical Center. He was born March 22, 1928, in Slaton, Texas, to Gilbert and Mary Ward.

His early years were spent in Slaton and Lubbock, Texas, and he graduated from Lubbock Senior High School in 1946.

He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and was a Tech 4 in radio repair. He received the World War II Victory Medal and was discharged in 1947.

Mr. Ward began working as the sound engineer for John Ascuaga's Nugget in the Circus Showroom in 1963 and retired from Harrah's as supervisor of the electronics department. He was always tinkering and building something. He built numerous stereo systems and speakers, and often repaired TVs or radios for friends. His hobbies included bowling, fishing, gardening and golfing.

He was preceded in death by brothers Gilbert Jr., Roy and Charles; and sister Janell Edwards.

Among his survivors are his sons Matthew and Michael; daughters Margaret Clancy and Maureen Brown; sisters Mary Howard, Reba Tarver, Viola Bradshaw, Linda Davis and Patricia Anthony; brothers Gene and Jim; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Northern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, 14 Veterans Way, Fernley, NV 89408.

Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.