Butch Ward

Charles Butch Allen Ward, Sr., 66, of Pima, passed away August 1, 2015. Butch was born January 18, 1949 to Henry Herman & Agnes Apperson Ward in Peoria, Illinois. The family moved to Safford in 1962 and Butch graduated from Safford High School in 1967. He then joined the United States Navy serving his country for four years during which time he was stationed in Vietnam. In October 1970 he married Karole Faye Kerby and they were blessed with four children; Allan, Tara, Sara & Fara. Butch worked as an Auto Body repairman. Butch had many hobbies which included auto racing, restoring cars, car shows, working in his yard and last but not least, spending time with his family. He won the Factory Stock Championship in 1997 and was at Daytona when Dale Earnhardt, Sr. won his only Daytona 500. He was president of T.E.A.M.S. and the Tri-City Speedway. Butch is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Karole, children; Allan (Elaine) Ward, Tara (Aaron) Acres, Sara (Jason) McClain and Fara (Brad) Hinton, grandchildren; Raegan Ward, Jakob & Ayden Acres, Mylee & Miles McClain and Kobe, Kolin & Kenley Hinton, siblings; Thomas James (Linda) Ward, Patricia (Ray) Saiz, Robin Ward and Tabor (Troy) Hephner. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Agnes Ward. A Memorial Service for Butch will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Safford. Contributions may be made to the Disabled Veterans Association.