Roger A. Ward

Roger A. Ward was born September 18, 1940, as a member of the Munsee Tribe in Kansas, and was a lifelong resident of Ottawa until his death on February 20, 2026. He was born in Ottawa and raised by Reid and Dorothy Ward, an Ottawa couple who owned and operated a small manufacturing business. Roger graduated from Ottawa Senior High School in 1960 with art and shop classes being his favorite subjects.

Roger developed an interest in all things automotive early. By age fourteen, he had painted his first automobile. As a young man, he opened his own automotive paint business in a small cinder block building that his father owned. Roger’s exceptional paintwork was a feature of many hot rods and customs throughout the Midwest and serious collectors would commission Roger to build cars for them.

Roger traveled extensively across the United States to attend and participate in rod runs. Many of his personal vehicles, as well as customers’ vehicles he painted, have received various awards and been featured in national car magazines. He was once recognized for his work by being invited to drive one of his cars around the “Brickyard” at the Indianapolis 500. He was a founding member of the Over the Road Gang, a local car club which initiated the Old Mary Rod Run, an event that brought thousands of visitors to Ottawa. In addition to being an expert craftsman, Roger was known as a great story teller by everyone who knew him.

Roger was united in marriage to Cheryl Rae Ward in Ottawa, Kansas, creating a partnership founded on love and mutual respect. Though Cheryl passed away on April 9, 2024, Roger’s devotion to her remained steadfast. Their bond is remembered fondly by all who knew them.

Along with his wife, Roger was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Shelly Ward, and son Devin Ward.

He is survived by his step-children; grandchildren; great grandchildren; and brother Lauren Ward, along with several nieces, nephews, and friends who became family. Roger’s closest living blood relatives are his grandson Treet Ward, of Lawrence, Kansas, and granddaughter Abigail Ward.

Roger left this earth in true Roger fashion, on his terms.

Friends and family are invited to honor Roger's life during a visitation service on March 6, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Dengel & Son Mortuary, located at 235 S Hickory St, Ottawa, KS 66067. In this time of reflection, we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with moments of joy, passion, and above all, love.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Over the Road Gang c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.

To share your memories of Roger or to send a special condolence message to his family, please visit the guestbook below.