Ray R. Ward

Ray R. Ward, 96, of Malaga, Ohio, passed from this life Friday, August 24, 2018 at his home.  Ray was born in Cameron, Ohio, September 2, 1921, the son of Ernest and Glenna McMahon Ward.

Ray retired to the farm from  Ormet Corporation with over 30 years of service. At the time, he told the boys he “didn’t how he had time to work at Ormet and the farm”.  Ray was a Christian and a member of the Beallsville Church of Christ.
Proud to serve his country, Ray enlisted in the service in 1942, where he served in the 785th Air Force Unit until 1946.  Ray loved to share his many stories about his life experiences, family, and time spent while serving his country. Ray traveled with his family to many states to purchase and show Charolais cattle in the 1960s and 1970s, being among the first to raise Charolais in Ohio.  In the years that followed, he also raised registered Labrador retrievers, many of which found homes in several states.  Ray was among the first three to own a Vermeer baler, being an early adapter to the large round bales.  Always a gentleman, he was known for his energetic spirit, pleasant demeanor, and his cheerful smile.  Ray was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who set a wonderful example for his children and grandchildren.

Ray was preceded in death by his loving wife Gladys, April 21, 2018, whom he married October 22, 1950.  In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two brothers, Vernon and Roman, one sister Vera Baker, and brother in-laws Clyde Baker, Ralph Norris, Jim Pierce and Ruel (Bill) Pittman.    
Those left to cherish his memory are three sons, Dennis (Christina) Ward of Malaga, Dr. Nelson (Carol) Ward of Ringoes, New Jersey and Marvin (Donna) Ward of Malaga; seven grandchildren Amanda (Scott) Frank, Denny (Elizabeth) Ward,  Dr. Ashley Ward, Emily Ward, Dr. Nathan Ward (and his fiancé Katie Hall), Eric Ward and Cody Ward; five great-grandchildren, Katelyn, Gavin and Ava Frank, Kylie and Brock Ward; one brother Denver (Lorna) Ward, four sisters, Nellie (Junior) Nutt, Marcelene Norris, Carol Pittman and Lu Pierce and several nieces, nephews and numerous friends.

The family will receive friends and neighbors from 2 to 8 p.m. on August 28, 2018 at Bauer and Turner Funeral Home in  Woodsfield, Ohio.  Friends will also be received from 12 until time of service at 1 PM on August 29, 2018 at the Beallsville Church of Christ, 52125 Township Road 134, State Route 145, Beallsville, with Collin Morrison, Jeff Rich and Tom Butterfield officiating, Burial will then follow in the Bush Church Cemetery, Malaga.  Memorial contributions could be made to Bush Cemetery, c/o Paul Ferguson, 51048 S.R. 145, Jerusalem, Ohio 43747.

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