JAMES WARD

DEXTER, Mo. -- James C. "Jack" Ward, 74, of Dexter died Monday, Dec. 25, 2000, at his home.

He was born on Aug. 23, 1926, in Dexter, son of James Claude Sr., and Josie Beights Ward.

He married Reba Brazel on Nov. 17, 1951, in Dexter.

He was a lifelong resident of Dexter. He was a retired mail carrier for the U.S. Post Office, a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a member of the VFW. He also worked for many years with the Dexter Civil Defense. He had been active in the Boy Scouts of America most of his adult life. For many years he was an Explorer Post adviser, Order of the Arrow Adviser, and had worked in many other capacities with the Southeast Missouri Boy Scout District. He had received the Silver Beaver award, the highest honor given by the local district, and was named Dexter's Man of the Year in 1986. He was also a member of First United Methodist Church in Dexter.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Rick Ward of Chesterfield, Mo., and Treye Ward of Jackson, Mo.; a daughter, Judy Blackler of Dexter; and nine grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two sons and a sister.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Dexter.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. The Rev. Clifford Wray of Dexter will officiate.

Burial will be in Chalk Bluff Cemetery near Dexter.