Millard D. "Jiggs" Ward was born on November 8, 1921 in Peggs, Oklahoma to Thomas Vandever Ward & Cora Mae (Briggs) Ward. He passed from this life on June 28, 2009 in Sand Springs, Oklahoma at the age of 87 years, 7 months & 20 days.

"Jiggs" had lived in the Tulsa, Bixby and Leonard communities for many years and had been a resident of Inola from 1982 until 2006. He was proud to have served his country as a member of the United States Army during World War II. He served as a machine gunner and was qualified as an Expert Gunner in 1943. He was captured in Italy and held in a German Stalog for seven months until he was liberated by U.S. Forces in 1945. He received 3 Bronze Service Medals and a POW Medal in addition to several other honors. He worked earlier in life as a butcher for a meat processing plant and later worked many years as a drill press operator for Hughes-Anderson before retiring in 1987. He was a member of the Hale Baptist Church and served many years as the Training Union Director. He loved coaching and playing baseball and softball, visiting relatives and will be remembered as a man that was true to God, family & friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 6 brothers, 3 sisters and 1 grandson, Gary Burns.

He is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, Wilma J. (Palmer) Ward, whom he married on September 11, 1942. He is also survived by 1 daughter; Jeannette Burns and husband Ronnie, of Claremore, 2 sons; Dewayne Ward and wife Nancy, of Sand Springs & Jimmy Don Ward and wife Pam, of Blue Ridge, TX, a "special daughter"; Josette Atkison of Tulsa, 5 grandchildren; Stephanie Cobb, Mike Burns, Jackie Ward, Jimmy Don Ward, Jr. & Kelly Ward, 13 great-grandchildren; Wade, Kelsey, Whitney, Wesley, Ashley, Amber, Michaela, Jacklyn, Kaycee, Lane, Kailey, Skylar & Kelton, 1 great-great-granddaughter; Chloe and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Casket bearers are Jackie Ward, Mike Burns, Clay Cobb, Jimbo Ward, Kelly Ward & Wade Cobb. Honorary bearers are Gary Burns & Stephanie Cobb. Music will be provided by Reva Harger and Glen Buntin, Jr.