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Barber’s suicide saddens Fort Campbell

The commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell, Ky., issued a statement Friday in response to the death of a community figure who took his own life during a city council meeting.

Ronald “Bo” Ward, owner of Bo’s Barber Shop across from Gate 1 on Fort Campbell Boulevard, shot himself with a handgun following a council vote Thursday that turned down his request to have his home rezoned as commercial, according to a report in the Leaf-Chronicle newspaper in Clarksville, Tenn.

Ward had told the council at two recent meetings that the rezoning would increase his property value, allowing him to secure a loan to offset debt he incurred when he expanded his shop.

“On behalf of the 101st Airborne Division and the entire Fort Campbell community, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ronald “Bo” Ward,” Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Schloesser said in a press release Friday.

“He was an icon on Fort Campbell, known for his hospitality, warm smile, and engaging conversation. When a soldier got [his or her] hair cut by Bo, you got more than just a haircut — you got a story, a pat on the back, and words of encouragement from a patriotic citizen who genuinely cared about soldiers. Bo Ward loved serving soldiers and will be sadly missed by us all,” he said.

According to the newspaper report, Ward said last month, “If this [zone change] doesn’t go through, I lose my home, I lose my shop, I lose everything I got.”

After Thursday’s 5-7 vote was cast, Ward stood and walked toward the council.

“Johnny [Piper], I know I can’t speak,” Ward said over the mayor, who was telling Ward the public comment period had ended.

“Y’all have put me under,” Ward said according to the newspaper report, pulling out a small silver handgun. “I’m out of here.”

A gunshot finished his sentence, and Ward fell at the feet of those sitting in the first row, according to the Leaf-Chronicle.

Ward appeared to have pulled the trigger with the gun in his mouth, the newspaper reported.