James Wishard

James Durward Wishard, known to friends as “Durward” or “JD”, died Tuesday, April 15, 2014, at Sylvia Thompson Residence Center, Sedalia, Missouri.

Durward was born May 16, 1929 to Orville James and Murl Dehlia (Feaster) Wishard in Ohio, Missouri, where his grandmother, Lilly Wishard, owned and operated the family general store.

Durward grew up in the grocery business as his parents acquired and sold grocery stores throughout Missouri and out of state during his youth. Durward graduated from Windsor High School in 1947. After high school he went to work for Boeing in Seattle, Washington. In 1950 Durward returned to Missouri, ran into a childhood friend, fell in love, and married Mary Lou Frasure. Almost immediately he was drafted to the Army and deployed to Korea. After the war, Durward and Mary Lou began their life-long dedication to their family, friends, and grocery business. His fondest memories came from his days in Warsaw where he was passionate about helping his community, customers, and friends.

After Mary Lou’s passing in 1991, Durward retired and married Joanie Reidy in 2003. The days to follow were spent enjoying their retirement together and spending fun times with their grandchildren. Joanie’s constant dedication to Durward throughout the last few years of his life will never be forgotten by his family.

Durward is survived by his wife, Joanie; one daughter, Penni Sue Watts (Rick) of Springfield, MO; one grandson, Brandon Button (Tiffany Wright) of Springfield, MO; one great-granddaughter, Makayla (Springfield, MO); two step-sons, Dan Gartner (Angie) of Sedalia, and Trevor Gartner (Kara) of Leawood, KS; one step-daughter, Jamie Nei (Jason) of Lake of the Ozarks, MO; and ten step-grandchildren, Avery, Madalynn, Londyn, Shelby, Jason, MacAllister, Callahan, Maddox, Mackenzie, and Vespyr. Durward also leaves behind many loved nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers and sisters-in-law, and a lifetime of precious friends, as well as his furry little friends.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, April 25, 2014 at the Appleton City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the First United Methodist Church, 154 W. Washington, Warsaw, MO 65355.