A memorial service for a former Bartlesville resident found slain in Missouri was held Wednesday at the Jefferson City church where he and the alleged murderer both attended. Jeffrey Grant Ward, 19, reported missing for days, was believed to have been murdered by his friend, Gabriel Luke Word, 20, also of Jefferson City, on July 4.

WARD Jeffrey Grant Ward, 19, of Jefferson City, passed away Friday, July 4, 2008. He was born February 2, 1989, in Oklahoma City, Okla., the son of Anthony "Tony" and Pamela J. (Stallings) Ward. He was a graduate of the Alpha Omega Academy. He was active in several sports in High School, where he was the goalkeeper on the soccer team, played varsity basketball and was on the cross country track team. Jeffrey worked as a cook at La Casita Salsa in Jefferson City. He was a member of Concord Baptist Church, where he was in the Youth Praise Band and played the drums and the bass guitar. He was also active in missionary work with Concord Baptist Church and World Changers. He served missions in the United States, Romania, Hong Kong and several other countries. He loved fishing and playing golf.

He is survived by his parents: Tony & Pam Ward of Jefferson City; a sister: Natalie Ward of Jefferson City; paternal grandparents: Granville & Louise Ward of Duncan, Okla.; maternal grandmother, Esther Stallings of Weatherford, Oklahoma; one uncle, Terry Ward (wife Karen) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and numerous cousins and other family members. He was preceded in death by a sister, Kristin Ward. Friends will be received from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, at the Concord Baptist Church.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, 2008, at the Concord Baptist Church, with Rev. Dr. Monte Shinkle officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Concord Christian School in care of Concord Baptist Church, 3724 West Truman Blvd.; Jefferson City, MO 65109. Arrangements are under the direction of Houser-Millard  Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street; Jefferson City, MO.