In Memory Of
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J. Alan Ward
Topeka, Kansas
11/26/1938 - 09/09/2024
Alan “Taco Al” Ward of Topeka passed away on September, 9th,2024. He and his wife, Sandra, owned Taco Al’s Mexican restaurant, formally Taco Casa, at 6th & Washburn in Topeka for 61 years.
He was preceded in death by his son, Dennis; his daughter, Amy Abernathy; and his grandson, Jake.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sandra; a daughter, Julie Ward; grandchildren, Mitchell Ward (Amanda), Shane Ward (Ashley), Stefanie Weiland (Jeramiah), Malissa Cole (Stephen), Hannah Abernathy, Tyler Abernathy (Haley), Bailey Mize (Brooks) and Reno Groggins; and ten great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the American Legion Post 400, 3029 US-24, Topeka, Kansas 66618.
Memorial Donation may be made to the Al and Sandra Ward Scholarship Fund #02-4572-06 through the Washburn University Alumni Association & Foundation, 1729 SW MacVicar Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66604.
A Celebration of Life for Taco Al will be on Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. It will be held at the American Legion Post 400, 3029 US- 24, Topeka, Kansas 66618.
Memorial Donation may be made to the Al and Sandra Ward Scholarship Fund #02-4572-06 Through the Washburn University Alumni Association & Foundation, 1729 SW MacVicar Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66604.
A Celebration of Life for Taco Al will be on Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. It will be held at the American Legion Post 400, 3029 US- 24, Topeka, Kansas 66618.
Memorial Donation may be made to the Al and Sandra Ward Scholarship Fund #02-4572-06 Through the Washburn University Alumni Association & Foundation, 1729 SW MacVicar Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66604.
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Condolences
Al was a great man. The world needs more like him. He will be missed. (I first met Al in 1966 while attending Roosevelt Jr High School.)
Hannah and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Prayers for strength and healing for you in the days ahead. Sending hugs and love.
Sandra, Julie and family, We’re so sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed visiting with Al (usually about his hunting excursions and stories), and we loved eating at the restaurant since the first year you opened. We told Al that he was the only democrat we ever voted for – we thought the world of him. I almost sent him a card last month…now I’m sad that I didn’t. May God bring comfort to all in the days ahead. He was a good man.
Sandra and Julie I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t believe he is gone. Best Boss I could ask for. Prayers for you and family and Employees I’m here if need anything
I am very sorry for your loss and have many fond memories from the restaurant association days. Sandra, you have my deepest sympathy.
Leslie Widner Edmonds
Colorado Springs, CO
Sandra, I am so sorry for your loss of Al. You and Al were always huge supporters of Washburn Lady Blues basketball. But even before that, I remember Al providing tacos for our women’s athletics fundraiser back in the “Tin Gym”. This was around 1968-69 when NOBODY supported women’s athletics. I learned then what a wonderful man Al was. I also learned that if there is one, there must be more out there that will support us. Look where Al’s kindness has taken women’s athletics at Washburn. I will always cherish that memory. GO BODS! Al, RIP.❤️
My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Ward family and friends. Al was a great man and a friend, who was also a distant cousin by marriage. Al was hard-working and sincere, a role model of how to run a successful family business. Al’s tacos were just the best! The other comments posted here are indicative of how much Al was admired by all who knew him. Rest now, Al, you are missed…
Al and Sandy were legendary in the Seabrook area of Topeka from the Pizza Hut days until the arrival of Taco Casa. many of us Seabrook kids worked at the Pizza Hut or just “Hung-out” there and enjoyed the time. then with the arrival of Taco Casa we just moved on to the location as we went to THS and met more of our classmates from THS! And some of us worked there too! Friendly, hardworking and a Great leader. Returning to my hometown will not be the same without seeing Al!! Blessings on Al and the entire Family. RIP to a Topeka Legend.
Sandra and family, so sorry for the loss of Al. He was one of a kind! I always enjoyed seeing him an eating at the restaurant. He will be missed (and so will his tacos!).
Great person. So very sorry for the entire family.