Austin Aaron Ward, 22, Archie, Missouri, died February 26, 2019 at his home.  Funeral services were held  Saturday, March 2, 2019 at the Archie High School Dome in Archie, MO.  Burial in Austin Cemetery, Archie, MO.

Austin was born on November 9, 1996 in Kansas City, MO, a son of Stephen Ward and Jennifer (Reese Ward) Watson.  He was a 2015 graduate of Shawnee Mission North High School.  In the past 3 years, Austin had worked in many different construction trades.  Austin's 3 greatest loves (besides his dog) were family, wrestling, and friends.  He loved pampering his dog, Abel, and wherever Austin was you were sure to find Abel not far behind.  Austin's greatest passion was wrestling.  Even after his own wrestling career ended, he continued supporting his brothers on the mat and encouraging youth to love the sport as much as he did.  He enjoyed spending time with his friends playing pool, going fishing, watching sports, or just hanging out and making new memories. Austin loved anything that involved family.  He enjoyed playing phase 10 on family game nights, forced family fun outings such as Christmas in the Park, and playing with his niece El.  Austin's love for others was very apparent and his passing will leave a void in the lives of many people.

Austin was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Bill Ward and Karen Ward Crozier.  Austin is survived by his father, Stephen Ward, Kansas City, Kansas;  his mother, Jennifer Watson, and step-father, Tony Watson, Archie, MO; four brothers, Gunner Ward (Ashli), Titus Ward, Christian Ward, and Shane Watson one sister;  Lauren Watson, all of Archie, MO; a niece, Eleanor Ward; maternal grandmother, Linda Reese, Osawatomie, KS; maternal grandfather, Floyd Reese, LaCygne, KS; his beloved dog, Abel; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.