LUCAS — A longtime City of Lucas employee who apparently died as a result of electrocution June 11 has been identified as Gary Ward.
Ward, 65, was severely shocked at 11:30 a.m. June 11 while working on power lines in the 500 block of South Wolf Street in Lucas. He was transported by Russell County EMS to Russell Regional Hospital where he died.
A Gary Ward Scholarship Fund has been established with Rodrick and Minear Funeral Home of Lucas.
Ward’s survivors include his wife, Lori Ward, Lucas; a son, Jolan (Rhonda) Ward, Salina; daughters, Sheree (Bill) Herold, Lucas; and Jessica (Brian) Kavanaugh, Salina; brothers, Roger (Barbara) Kvasnicka, Lucas; Kim (Debbie) Ward, Castle Rock, Colo.; and Monte Ward, Jetmore; sisters, Caryle Ward, Lucas, Jana Tate, Lucas, Lesa (Monty) Fox, Cherry Valley, Ill.; and Gayla (Clyde) Wilson, Lascassas, Tenn; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Lucas Mayor Jennifer Bates told KRSL radio in Russell that it was a tragic accident that has shaken her small community.
“We are devastated,” she said. “He was a friend, a neighbor and much more than just a city employee. He was a valuable part of this community.”
The Kansas Department of Labor is in charge of investigating the accident. A coroner’s report will eventually be released.
“We have reached out to the Department of Labor to investigate this accident,” said Bates. “The coroner is working to determine the cause of death.”