AMES - Vernon "Max" Ward, 88, formerly of Colo and a lifelong Story County resident, died Tuesday, December 22, 2009, at Bickford Cottage Assisted Living in Ames, Iowa. Visitation will be at the Bacon Funeral Home in Nevada from 2 to 3 PM Sunday, December 27th followed by a Prayer Service at 3:00 PM. Max was born at Fernald, Iowa on August 29, 1921, the son of Lewis and Verna (French) Ward. He graduated from Colo High School. He was united in marriage to Inez Ihnken on June 3, 1951, at Boone, Iowa. Max was a trucker, transporting grain and livestock for VM Ward Trucking. He served with the US Army during WWII. Survivors include his wife, Inez of Ames; two daughters: Sandra K. (Scott) Rowe of Elkton, Maryland and Lucinda (Rick) Olson of Geneva, Illinois; three grandchildren: Jennifer Rowe and fiance Steve Heagy; Abby Rowe and Michelle Rowe. Max was preceded in death by his parents and a brother: Wilford Ward. Memorials may be given to the Max Ward Memorial Fund. Bacon Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.