Leonard William Ward

Leonard William Ward, 79, passed away Jan. 21, 2008, at his home. He was born Nov. 16, 1928, in Joplin, Mo., to John William and Cecil (Collins) Ward. Leonard met and later married Maria Marrujo on Sept. 5, 1953 in Osage, Okla. They moved to Tularosa in 1961 where they raised their five children. He worked in several different fields during his career, as a machinist, farmer and later a meat cutter. Leonard, in his younger years, loved playing pool, billiards and cards. He also loved spending time with children and animals.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Maria, of the family home; sons Leonard Ward, of Tularosa, and Raymond Ward, of Roswell; daughters Tina Najar and husband Joe, of Tularosa, Sondra Luevano and partner Rudy Cadena, of La Luz, and Diana Miller and husband Russ, of Florida; four sisters in Oklahoma; 18 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Violet; grandsons Ricky Najar, Francisco and William Ward; and great-grandson Stephen Luevano.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 28, 2008, at St Francis de Paula Catholic Church with Father John Peterson, O.F.M., celebrant. 
Pallbearers will include Rudy Cadena, Joe Najar Sr., Joe Najar Jr., David Najar, Crystal Luevano and Fabian Ward.
Honorary pallbearers will include Larry Reynolds, Jack Gruger, Toby Caje, Eddie Guilez, Jessie Vigil and Connie Magdaleno.
Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery.
Family will greet friends starting at 9: a.m. at the church before the funeral. 
To sign the online register book, please visit www.alamogordofuneralhome.org.