Robert Lawrence Ward

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          Robert Lawrence Ward, 86, of Kansas City, Missouri, and most recently Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on May 7, 2023, surrounded by his family. His visitation will take place from 5:00-7:00 pm, on Tuesday, June 13, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131. Larry’s funeral will take place at 11:00 am, on Wednesday, June 14, also at St. Thomas More, with a reception to follow.  

          R. Lawrence Ward known as Larry Ward, was born on May 19, 1936, in Kansas City, Wyandotte County, Kansas. He was the oldest of two children born to Robert Emmet “Bob” Ward and Loretta Marie Jessee Ward. He was a proud and supportive alumnus of the schools he attended: Bishop Ward High School, Donnelly College, and the University of Missouri--Kansas City School of Law.

          In 1960, Larry married the love of his life, Catherine Joan Gannon Ward (Joan).  He joined the law firm of Shughart, Thomson, & Kilroy, where he became a well-known and respected trial lawyer during a time when relationships meant everything.  His approach to the practice of law was based on respect. He served as Chairman of the Board for 20 years, spearheaded the merger with Polsinelli and helped shape the framework of the firm today. As an attorney, he took great pride in advocating for unfairly treated individuals and businesses.

          Larry cherished and prioritized his time with his loved ones, doting on his wife of 63 years and visiting his kids and grandkids coast to coast. He adored history, read libraries full of books, played golf around the world, and traveled to Ireland multiple times. In his youth, Larry worked as a street sweeper and was also a switchman for the Rock Island Railroad. Larry never forgot his humble roots and generously dedicated his life and resources to supporting the people, families, and communities of which he was a part.

          Larry was preceded in death by his parents and his eldest son, Christopher Lawrence Ward. He is survived by his wife, brother James R. (Jim) Ward (Laura Maver), of Village of Loch Lloyd, Missouri, his four living children: Cynthia Bloom (Edwin Sowell) of Silver Spring, Maryland; Stephanie Leitzel (Robert) of Burke, Virginia; Colleen Ward of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and Robert Emmet Ward II (Ashley) of Golden, Colorado, and 11 grandchildren: Andrew Bloom, Michaela Leitzel, David Leitzel, Joseph Bloom, Bobby Leitzel, Daniel Bloom, Mariah Magdziak, Dayton Ward, Shane Ward, Emma Ward, and Avalon Ward.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to https://support.childrensmercy.org/fundraiser/4723474