WARD, NOLAN, 96 Nolan Ward, 96 of Lake Butler, passed away on Dec. 1, 2016 with his family by his side. He was born on Feb. 15, 1920 in Lulu Florida to Donnie Markham Ward and Lloyd Ward. Nolan met the love of his life, Dorothy Deen, in high school in 1938. They married shortly thereafter in 1939. Nolan joined the Army and served in WWII. He endured many battles including those in Southern France. He was awarded a Purple Heart for being wounded while bringing prisoners back to base camp. When Nolan returned to the United States he rejoined his wife Dorothy and their infant daughter, Diane. He soon embarked upon a very successful life, self-employed in the timber and farming business while adding three more children to his family, the third of which being a very late, exciting surprise to all. Nolan loved raising cattle, fishing in his ponds, wood-working and trying to figure out how things worked while 'tinkering' in his barn. He mostly loved sharing time with all of his family and friends having cook-outs and fish fry's at his home. He always had a garden and willingly shared the fruits of his labor with anyone he met. He was a very generous, loving, and kind man. His huge heart and gentle wisdom touched all of those who knew him. He enjoyed being a member of the Masonic Lodge as a Master Mason for 65 years. He was also a long time member of the First Christian Church of Lake Butler. Nolan was predeceased by his loving wife of 69 years as well as six of his siblings. He is survived by his children, Diane Tiller (Brad) of Tampa, Fl., Dean (Ginger) of Lake Butler, Denise of Lake Butler, and Tasha Hollingsed (Michael), of Longwood Fl. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and two sisters, Lavonda and Faye. Nolan, Daddy, Grand-daddy, Papa, will be missed by all of his loving family and friends. They will miss daily activities with him as well as the amazing get-togethers they shared with him witnessing his joy cooking out and engaging in the fun times they had together. His family and his friends are humbled by the sweet and gentle spirit that they experienced from a wonderful man, and will be forever grateful to him. The family will receive visitors on Sat. Dec. 3, 2016 from 10:00-11:00 am at Archer Funeral Home in Lake Butler. The service will follow at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Burial will be at Dekle Cemetery in Lake Butler. Arrangements are under the care of Archer Funeral Home in Lake Butler. 386-496-2008.