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1936-2024
On a blustery Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, as Hurricane Debby churned above, Richard Donald Ward, formerly of Salem, passed away peacefully after a brief illness in Celebration, Florida, at the age of 87 years. Born Oct. 29, 1936, to Donald A. and Ruth Eakin Ward, he was the oldest of five children who grew up on Ward's Poultry Farm on state Route 9, south of Salem, near Winona. In 1973, he followed his dream of owning his own car lot, and Ward Motor Sales was born on the corner of State Street and Roosevelt. Many teens and young families found their first cars there, and he prided himself on breaking the stereotype by being an honest used car salesman. In his free time, he loved to volunteer tinkering on the antique cars at the Salem Historical Society. He was a lifelong member of the Salem United Methodist Church as well as St. John's United Methodist Church of Winter Haven.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Swartz Ward, to whom he was married for 28 years, helping her to care for their Busy Acres Christmas tree farm on Franklin Road. He loved nothing better than mowing the fields on his tractor, and continued to do so using controls adapted by his younger brother Jim, despite suffering a stroke in 2016. In 2022, Richard and Pat sold the big farm and retired to a quieter life in Winter Haven, Florida, to be near to his brothers, and his daughters Margie Ward Rogers (Jim) of Englewood, Florida, and Patty Ward Buttram (Jay) of Groveland, Florida. He adored his girls, his stepchildren Rebecca (Steve) Chaffin, Debra Vinci, Jeff Swartz; grandchildren Haley, Yvette, Mayra, Hannah, Cameron, Sarah, Jacqueline, Henry, Aisling, Alex, Madeline, and Margot, as well as their seven great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is also survived by his brothers, Ray (Mitzie Theiss) Ward, Jim (Dorothy Emminger) Ward, Walt (Jan Blackburn) Ward, and Nancy (John) Hanna and was thrilled to be able to celebrate the 70th Ward Reunion with his large extended family in Maggie Valley, North Carolina in July of this year.
He was known for his kindness, generosity, patience, and subtle sense of humor which continued through his last moments on this earth, surrounded by his wife and daughters. His influence will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate to have shared part of his life's path with him.
A military burial is planned at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, along with a small family memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Salem High School Alumni Association, Salem, Ohio. Condolences or favorite memories may be shared, and full obituary may be viewed at https://www.afterall.com/obituaries/RichardWard16327.
8/10/24