Michael Dean 'Bubba' Ward

Mr. Michael Dean "Bubba" Ward, 60, of Blytheville, went to heaven Monday, Nov. 11, 2013, at Great River Medical Center.

He was born Jan. 8, 1953, in Blytheville, to Volley B. "Dean" and Imogene Johnson Ward. When he was born the family had a farm in Armorel. He attended Armorel School and graduated valedictorian with the Class of 1971. Bubba was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Imogene Ward; grandparents, Carl and Mary Johnson; and William and Mattie Ward.

He is survived by two sons, Justin Michael Ward and fiancée, Mary Beth Mealer, of Murphysboro, Tenn., and Joseph Nathaniel Ward of Blytheville;

His father, Dean Ward of Blytheville;

Two sisters, Judy King and husband, Kenney, of Salem, Ill., and Shirley Beller and husband, Paul, of Deland, Fla.;

Two nieces, Jena Mann and husband, Greg, of Blytheville, and Anne Marie Pogue and husband, Mark, of Deland, Fla.;

A nephew, J.R. Johnson of Blytheville;

His great-nieces, Beth Emmert and fiancée, Tyler Doss, Hannah Mann, Alexa Johnson, Madison Johnson and Haley Nordman;

His great-nephews, Zachary Mann, Cody Mann, Jackson Johnson, Chad Nordman and Chris Nordman; and

A host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who will miss him dearly.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday in Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jimmy Russell officiating. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. Friday until time for service.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at cobbfuneralhome.com