Joe Rholand Ward Jr., age 59 of Hays, Kansas passed away September 20, 2022, at Hays Medical Center. He was born April 14, 1963, in Hays to Joe Rholand Ward and Patricia (Felten) Ward. He was a 1981 Hays High School graduate and attended Fort Hays State University.
Joe spent numerous years in management with McDonald's in Russell, Kansas, and corporate McDonald's stores in Texas. Years later, Joe relocated to Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to the Cherokee Indian Nation, a proud heritage he treasured, there he held the position as a adolescent counselor.
Joe's closest companions were his two dogs; Buddy and Baby Girl. Joe was exceptionally talented in the art of making flutes, bows/arrows, and Cherokee Indian beading. He enjoyed nature and the outdoors.
He is survived by a sister, Karen Munsch and husband Bob, Schoenchen, Kansas, one uncle, Pete (Fritz) Felten, Hays, a stepdaughter, Stephanie Jacobs and husband Anthony, Emporia, Kansas, two step grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Terry Lee Stegman and stepson Jason Ickier.
Graveside services will be 1:00 pm Sunday, September 25, 2022, at Mt. Allen Cemetery, Hays, Kansas.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice-Hays Medical Center and may be sent in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.
Condolences may be sent to the family by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchaples.com or emailed to [email protected]