Ward Cecil Archer's Obituary
Ward Cecil Archer
Ward Cecil Archer was born to Cecil and (Veva) Ruth Archer on March 11, 1927 in MacDonald, Kansas, and passed away on Sunday, July 11, 2010 at Allenmore Hospital in Tacoma, WA. The Archer family moved from Winfield, Kansas to Puyallup, Washington in 1943, as his father, Cecil, took the role as Puyallup's Chief of Police until 1963 when he passed away.
Ward graduated from Puyallup High School, class of 1945; and up until the last couple of years, he regularly attended the annual Alumni assemblies, held in December. He worked many jobs including Frisbee's and Puyallup Bakeries; and a short time at Boeing, before following in his Father's footsteps in police work, starting out in Puyallup, which at the time, was combined with Animal Control. He never liked to be reminded of being a -Å"Dog Catcher-! He landed his dream job for the Pierce County Sheriff's Office, first as a Deputy, and later on in his career, advanced to the rank of Detective. While as a Deputy in the early 1950's, he was assigned as Robert Mitchum's body guard as Mitchum filmed The Track of the Cat at Mount Rainier National Park. Ward had the time of his life on that job, especially since he got paid for it!
As a Detective, Ward set up the Narcotics Division for the County City Building, as well as being responsible for the first major Marijuana crop bust in Pierce County. He assisted Author Ann Rule with vital information as she was writing her book, The Stranger Beside Me, which was the story of serial killer Ted Bundy. In the last several years of his career, he worked the Pawn Shop detail, visiting the South Tacoma pawnbrokers, monitoring pawned items for stolen goods. Through these years, he made many life-long friends with the -Å"guys on the corner-.
He served 34 years, retiring from the Department in December, 1986.
Ward met Markay Hendricks through both of their mothers, and married on February 28, 1959. Together, they raised three children -" Rhonda, Robin, and Frank. He and Markay lived in Puyallup their entire married life, and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2009, at a party hosted by their children.
Ward was an avid gardener, farming his quarter acre lot for many years, in which he fed family, friends, and neighbors. Everyone always looked forward to Ward's garden for their fill of mainly corn, tomatoes, green beans, zucchini, and Golden Finnish Potatoes. He also enjoyed monthly lunches with fellow retirees from the Sheriff's Office, which May 2010, was unknowingly, his last. He liked to travel by car or bus, ranking Disneyland and Reno has his favorite destinations. MASH was always his favorite TV show; he watched it every evening; and ironically, it came on just after he passed away. The family watched it with him that last time.
Ward held memberships in many organizations, including 50 year and life membership of Corinthian Lodge #38, F&AM; Naomi Chapter #8, Order of Eastern Star; Rhododendron Court #8, Amaranth, and Life member of Scottish Rite. He was also a member of Afifi Shrine, Tacoma Elks, and Daffodil Aerie #2308, Fraternal Order of Eagles in Puyallup. Ward served as Rainbow Dad in the 70's when both daughters served as Worthy Advisor of Rainbow Girls.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his only sister, Gloria Kehr Delaney. Ward is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Markay; daughters, Rhonda (Kevin) Stucker of Texas; Robin (Mike) Sheffer of Puyallup, and son Frank Archer of Puyallup. Grandchildren: Alicia Palmer, Scott (Bridget) Palmer, Lindsay, and Sara Brown; Great Grandsons Quintyn and Zackery Palmer, and Bently Brown. Also survived by niece Cheryl (Larry) Cleveland and nephew Dana (Nancy) Kehr and their families.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ward's memory to the Pierce County Sheriff Officer's Guild.
Viewing Sunday, July 18 1-9pm at Mt. View Funeral Home, Lakewood, WA. Services Monday, July 19, 2010 10am at Mt. View, Valley Chapel 4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood, WA. Graveside following at Sumner Cemetery. Reception and luncheon to follow at Puyallup Eagles 202 5th St. NW, Puyallup.
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