Kay County loses two outstanding community members
Ponca City Now - January 20, 2014 1:24 pm
This past week Kay County lost two outstanding community members.
Lesa Ward from Blackwell was often seen in the halls of Blackwell schools.
While Phil Bandy often found a home on one of Ponca City’s stages.
Both lost their fight to cancer.
According to Ward’s obituary she never forgot about the students needs beyond the classroom.
Lesa climbed the ladder from counselor to director of special services to principal to superintendent.
She won awards, such as State Middle School Principal of the Year and District Superintendent of the Year.
Even when her immune system was compromised she became an online counselor to help students.
Lesa will be most remembered for her selfless spirit, laugh and smile.
According to Phil’s obituary he was most known for his performances in A Tuna Christmas and as Ponca City’s first mayor.
Phil was described as brilliantly funny and possessed a matchless wit, which prevented those around him from taking life too seriously.
Phil also made some serious changes in Ponca City.
While he owned his store downtown, Bandy’s Around the Corner he led the charge to remove the meters.
He also served as a mentor for the youth for the last 10 years.
He won awards, such as Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.
It will be hard to forget Phil’s sense of style, and his sincere and humble attitude.
A memorial tribute was held yesterday in Phil’s honor at the Poncan Theater.
Memorials can continued to be made in Phil’s name to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, The Poncan Theater, Pioneer Technology Center or to Ponca City Main Street.
Lesa’s services are scheduled for today at 10:30 a.m. at Blackwell’s First Christian Church.
Burial will follow and classes will be dismissed for students and staff to attend the service.
Lesa’s family requests instead of flowers, gifts be made to the Blackwell Community Foundation for the Lesa Ward Scholarship or to the Blackwell Public School Foundation.
Donations should be made payable to the Blackwell Community Foundation (c/o Lesa Ward Scholarship, P.O. Box 514, Blackwell, OK 74631) and The Blackwell Public School Foundation ( Attn: Eric Webb, 201 E. Blackwell, Blackwell, OK 74631.)
