Billie Michael "Mike" Ward

Billie Michael “Mike” Ward, 68, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025, at a memory care community in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Mike was born on April 15, 1957, in Coffey, Missouri, to Billie Joe and Beverly Ward.

Mike grew up in Jameson, Missouri, where he developed a lifelong love of small-town life and anything involving the farm. Those early years in Jameson shaped him in countless ways, from the games he played to the fields he admired, and that connection to home never faded. Later in life, he found great joy in tending his own small acreage, spending countless hours outside doing the work he loved most.

Mike graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 1979, where he was part of the basketball team under his cousin Coach Holley and alongside his now two brothers-in-law, and as they say, “Once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat.”

On August 8, 1981, Mike was united in marriage to Sandy Caldwell. Mike always joked that finding the perfect girl was easy; his dad had already done all the hard work and picked out Sandy for him. Together, Mike and Sandy built a life rooted in family, faith, community, and hard work. They became the proud parents of two children, Katie and Andy. His greatest joy was his grandson, Bennett Michael, and he was excited for another grandson on the way. Even in his final weeks, he insisted the new baby would be extra ornery.

Mike worked a variety of jobs throughout his life, including time at MoorMan Manufacturing, Midwest Quality Glove, and eventually MFA, where he chose to stay closer to home and the community he cared so deeply about.

He was a member of the First Christian Church in Jameson, active in the Gallatin community and served on the school board. He rarely missed a sporting event while his children were growing up. Whether it was a ballgame, a track meet, or a long tournament day, Mike was there in his Levi’s, a button-up plaid shirt, and a ball cap, cheering and supporting the Gallatin Bulldogs. He was an avid sports fan and especially loved watching his children compete.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law, Marion Caldwell.

Mike is survived by his wife Sandy of the home, his children Katie Ward of Kansas City, Missouri, and Andy (Caitlyn) Ward of Overland Park, Kansas, and his grandson Bennett. He is also survived by his sisters Paula (Randy) Dix of Olathe, Kansas, and Patsy (Dave) Alvey of Tell City, Indiana, his mother-in-law Jean Caldwell, known to all as Granny, and a loving circle of nieces and special friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Gallatin Bright Futures in care of the funeral home. A service celebrating Mike's life will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Stith Funeral Home in Gallatin. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Tuesday, the evening prior, also at the funeral home. Friends may call after 11 AM Tuesday, at the funeral home. Burial will follow the services at Hillcrest Cemetery in Gallatin. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Gallatin. (660) 663-2117. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com

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