Oklahoma Oilman Lew Ward Dies

Prominent Oklahoma oilman and industry entrepreneur Llewellyn O. "Lew" Ward has died. He was 85.

The Henninger-Hinson Funeral Home says Ward died Sunday of natural causes.

Ward drilled his first well in 1963 and founded Ward Petroleum Corporation eight years later. The Enid-based company has drilled hundreds of wells and operates more than 200 oil and gas properties in Oklahoma and Colorado. His company website estimates it will create $500 million in value by 2018.

Ward is also credited with helping champion the oil and gas industry both locally and nationally.

He served as past president of the Independent Petroleum Association of America, the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association and served on the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce.

Funeral services are Thursday at First United Methodist Church in Enid.