Phil D. Ward

Phillip Dean Ward, 65, of Jay, Oklahoma, formerly of Pittsburg, passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
He was born September 23, 1960, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Earl D. and Betty Lou (Lauber) Ward. Phil graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1978 and went on to earn his Bachelor's degree in Auto Engineering with a minor in Electronics from Pittsburg State University in 1984.
Phil began his career with Hix Corporation in Pittsburg in 1985 as Engineering Manager, where he recently celebrated 40 years of dedicated service. During his four decades at Hix, Phil designed and patented the CW-550 Mug Transfer Press, a machine he developed to imprint designs onto coffee mugs-like your favorite "Good Morning" cup. He was always proud of that achievement and liked to say, "You're welcome!"
For more than 45 years, Phil also owned and operated Woodland Studios, his privately owned recording studio. Through Woodland Studios, he ran sound for countless community events and concerts, including the Ft. Scott Jubilee, Little Balkans Days, Gorilla Village, Band Dome, Good Ole Days in Fort Scott, and many others. His talent and love for music touched people all across the region.
Phil was married to Anna (Machado) Ward from 1984 to 2004. Together they had two children, Adam Ward and Kimmy (Ward) King.
On February 25, 2006, Phil married the love of his life, Cara Shea Conway, at the First United Methodist Church in Pittsburg. Through this union, he also gained her children, Garett Gebhardt, Bailey (Gebhardt) Humbard, Jordan Gebhardt, and honorary daughter, Tarah Cockrell. Together, Phil and Cara built a large, beautiful blended family and were blessed with nineteen grandchildren who brought them endless joy.
Membership was held at PittNaz Church in Pittsburg. Since moving to Jay, he had been attending the Church of the Shepherd in Grove, Oklahoma.
In addition to his wife, Cara, survivors include his son, Adam Ward (Emily) of Greenbrae, California; daughter, Kimmy King (Ben) of Garnett, Kansas; children by marriage, Garett Gebhardt of Joplin, Missouri; Bailey Humbard (Brandon) of Olathe, Kansas; Jordan Gebhardt of Kansas City, Missouri; and Tarah Cockrell of Pittsburg; as well as a sister, Sharon Lynn Hilton (Aaron) of Aurora, Missouri; and nineteen grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an honorary grandson, Caiden Barber.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 10, at PittNaz Church in Pittsburg, with Pastor Adam Parrish officiating. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the PHS Music Department and/or the Scholarship for Engineering (Hix Corporation). Contributions may be left at or mailed to Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.
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