Ward Maxwell Parker of Alderson, WV passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at the Peyton Hospice House in Lewisburg, WV.   Ward was born on June 27, 1944, in Rainelle, WV.  He was the son of the late Theodore Kyle Parker and Hilda Allen Parker-Sims.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by first wife Joyce A. Phillips-Parker, his grandparents James (Grace) Allen and John (Ida) Parker, Brothers James H. (Shirley Wilson)Parker and Johnny Parker, and many very dear cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Ward worked at the Westvaco Paper and Pulp Manufacturing company in Covington, VA until 1977, at which time he went to work and retired from the Federal Correctional Institute in Alderson, WV.   He loved camping, hunting, photography, participating in the Rendezvous circuit, gun smithing, and he had a great love for tractors.  He was an avid reader who enjoyed all books from WWI, WWII, and the Civil War. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of almost 12 years, Causby Parker, his son James A. Parker (Karla) of Blue Ridge, VA, his daughter Patricia Ellis (Joe) of Roanoke, VA.  Other children who were loved as his own, Tammy Smith-Ramaliu (Dean) of Port Jefferson, NY, Bev Smith of Daniels, WV, Jason Smith of Alderson, WV.  A total of nine (9) grandchildren and nine (9) great grandchildren, along with a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In keeping with his wishes, Mr. Parker has donated his body to scientific research at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, WV.  After research is completed and following cremation, there will be a celebration of his life in a remote location. Ward was a graduate of Alderson High School, Class of 1962.