Mark Alan Ward II

Mark Alan Ward II, 41, of Topeka, passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2023, at Stormont Vail Health.

He was born June 7, 1982, in Topeka to Mark Alan Ward and Kathleen Anne (Shortall) Ward.

Mark graduated from Shawnee Heights High School in 2000 and received a baseball scholarship to Garden City Community College and then Emporia University.

He was the president of Data-Tel Communications, Inc.

Mark loved being a father to his daughter, Ryann. His hobbies included playing golf, hunting, fishing and boating. He enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and Kansas Jayhawks. He especially loved attending the Indy 500 each May. Mark was a collector of sneakers and shot glasses. He was a member of the 20/30 Club of Topeka and the TARC Golf Tournament Committee.

Survivors include his daughter, Ryann Marie Ward of Topeka, KS; father, Mark Ward of Tecumseh, KS; sister, Paige Jones and husband Phil of Basehor, KS; nephews, Kai and Lawson Jones of Basehor, KS; ex-wife, Heather Ward of Topeka, KS; aunt, Jan Andersen of Kansas City, MO; uncle, John Shortall and wife Amy of Overland Park, KS; aunt, Ellen Pereira and husband Gene of Shawnee Mission, KS; and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Kathleen Ward; grandparents, Clyde and Dorothy Ward, Patricia Murrell, and John Shortall; aunt, Lisa Shortall; and Uncle, B.B. Andersen.

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am, Friday, October 13, 2023, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Topeka, KS. The family invites you to celebrate Mark’s life at 1:00pm at Vaerus Aviation in Topeka, KS. There will be food, drinks, live music and many stories told. You are encouraged to wear your favorite pair of sneakers.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the 20/30 Club of Topeka, the Topeka Rescue Mission, or TARC, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603.