Artemas Ward Kinard Jr., age 76, of Lafayette, La., passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2023, in Lafayette, La. He was born on Sept. 18, 1946, to Ward and Beatrice Kinard in Lake Charles, La. 

Ward was a graduate of LaGrange High School and attended McNeese State University. He grew up in Lake Charles, but made Lafayette his home for the last twenty-five years. Ward loved hunting and was an avid reader. He also enjoyed cooking and going out for a good “cajun” meal. However, the most important things in his life were his family and friends. Ward was a generous, kind and loving father, grandfather, and friend. Ward was a lifelong salesman who won many top salesman awards. As much as he like selling, it was his customers who he enjoyed visiting with the most. Many are still good friends. If possible, he would still be selling today. 

Those left to cherish his memory are his two sons, Derek Ward Kinard (Shallon) and Justin Lee Kinard; his grandchildren, Ella Beatrice, Brody Cash, Kellan Bryce, Jason Lee, and Riley Kate; and his sister-in-law, Sandy Kinard. 

Ward was preceded in death by his parents;  and his younger brother, Frederick “Rick” Eugene Kinard. 

Visitation will be on Friday, May 12, 2023, from 12:30 p.m. until time of service at J.E. Hixson Funeral Home, Lake Charles. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Lily’s at J.E. Hixson Funeral Home. Hixson Celebrant, Jody Barrilleaux will lead services. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery in Lake Charles.