Abraham "Ward" Mays

Ward Mays Lt. Col. Retired, age 77, born in Washington D.C. passed away Tuesday, October 1, 2019. Lt. Col. Mays was a resident of Albuquerque since 1984 upon retiring from the USAF. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his Master’s degree from the University of Arizona. He began his military career in 1963 and shortly thereafter began pilot training. Lt. Col. Mays flew numerous combat missions in South East Asia. Upon completion of his master’s degree, he became Deputy Director of Finance in development of the B-1 Bomber. He continued the assignment until his retirement in 1984. During his 21 years of military service, he received many prestigious awards, among which were the Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, AF Organizational Excellence Award, and Combat Readiness Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster. He is survived by his wife, Jean, of the home;  daughter, Margaret, of San Diego; brother, William Mays, of Dallas; and sister-in-law, Sherry Brake, of Albuquerque. Ward and Jean were married September 7, 1969, at Eglin AFB in Florida.

Interment will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery. There will be no services per his wishes.