Obituary of Hap Ward

Choctaw Nation Councilman Hap Ward, age 76, of Idabel passed away on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at his home. He was born December 1, 1933 at Idabel, the son of Robert and Ola Phillips Ward. Hap was a 1952 graduate of Idabel Gray High School where he served as a co-captain on the district champion football team. He met his future wife, Marvidean Compton during his high school years. He worked at the Piggly Wiggly Grocery Store for over 35 years and made many friends during his time there. Hap went to work for the Choctaw Nation in 1991 and in 2003 was elected District 1 Councilman for the Choctaw Nation and served in this capacity until his death. The Choctaw people were very important to Hap and during his time on the council he was involved in several building projects and other advancements to help better serve the Choctaw people. Hap was an avid coin collector and enjoyed hunting and collecting them. Hap was a talented artist and could paint and sketch. He also enjoyed playing the guitar and was a huge OU Sooner Football fan. Hap had a big heart and was constantly trying to help someone. He cared deeply for his family and friends and he will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Marvidean Ward; and brothers, Charles Ward, Bobby Ward and Kenneth Wade Ward. Hap is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Debbie and Matt Schaer of Norman, and Desiree and Robert Ray of Broken Bow; grandchildren, Simone Schaer, Sydney Schaer and Slater Schaer all of Norman, Keeli Peevy, Alicia Peevy and Adron Vaughn all of Broken Bow; his special friend, Pamela Bradshaw of Poteau; brother and sister-in-law, William and Eula Ward of Tulsa; sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Bruce Poteet of Idabel; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. Services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 5, 2010 at the First Baptist Church in Idabel with Rev. Bertram Bob and Rev. Moses Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Denison Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00p.m.on Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at the funeral home.