Paul Roger Ward, Sr.

Paul Roger Ward, Sr. RememberedThe Early Years-

Growing up in Minnesota - Paul was 13 months and 3 days younger than older sister Carolynn. While in Minnesota, the family lived in several cities. While living in Zumbrota LaVonne was born so now there were 3. In 1953, Wayne was born and Paul got a brother. In May of 1957 the family started a journey to California, for a family reunion. By this time Jacqueline and Wendy had joined the family. Wendy was the newest - she was 7 months old and Jacqueline was 21 months - two little cuties. Paul was into building models - he built airplanes but his real love was building ships - amazing that he was able to do this safely in house with so many little kids. He liked the battleships with lots of little details. He earned money to support his hobby by doing yard work - he never liked it but the pay was worth it. He always had some type of job from the time he was about 10. When he got into his teen years he had a period of raising pigeons. He built a big coop in the back yard and kept pigeons there for some time. Their cat Henry thought they were for him! In high school Paul started working at the gas station part time. This allowed him to make some money and also have a place to work on cars. His pals had cars and they were always working on them. Later he started collecting and fixing up Studebakers - he had a real appreciation for this car model. Paul built and kept friendships with his pals from those days. During their teens Sam, Pat, Paul and Don were always off doing things together. When Paul went into the army one of his tours of duty was in Germany. His Army life took him to Korea as well. He served his country proudly.

The Adult Years-

He moved to San Clemente, CA, in 1975, working for a good friend of his as an auto mechanic. He met Shelly Summers at Alphys in Ontario through his sister Wendy. They were married on November 6, 1976, and lived in San Clemente. Their first born Paul R. Ward, Jr. was born in 1981 while living there. Paul, Shelly and son, Paul Jr, then moved to Fontana, Ca. They were supposed to move to Bay City Texas with Shelly's company, however Fontana became home. Paul took a job with Roger Harmon Motors in San Bernardino. A few years later their daughter was born in 1987, Amber Nicole. Paul continued working in the automotive repair businessas a Service Writer with Roger Harmon Motors. When Roger Harmon retired, Paul when to work for Moss Brothers Motors. His love of cars kept in the business. There were many cars throughout his life. In 1993 Paul started working at California SteelIndustry.Paul, Shelly and daughter, Amber moved to Rialto, CA, in 2010 into a new home. In 2016 Paul then retired, and the family decided to move to Mohave Valley, AZ. Paul lovedwatchingNascar Racing, and drag racing. His favorite driver was Dale Earnhart. He was thrilled to welcome Mark Daniel Jr, his first grandson, and a short 5 months later his 2nd grandson, Wyatt Alexander. He cherished the time spent with his grandsons. He often told stories of sneaking his Toot Toot, Markie snacks, and letting him nap in his bed at home in Arizona. While staying in Bakersfield, he bonded with his other grandson, Bam Bam, Wyatt over chocolate cake. He loved sweets. He is survived, loved and remembered by his wife, Shelly, daughter Amber, Amber's Fiancé Mark, grandson Mark Daniel Jr, son, Paul Jr, Paul Jr's wife Heather, grandson Wyatt, sisters Carolynn, LaVonne, Wendy, and Jacquline, brother Wayne and all of his family. He left us on April 28, 2017 and will be missed fiercely.