Obituary Little and Rue Funeral Home
L. Dow Ward, Jr, 92, our loving patriarch of four generations is now with his Lord and Savior. He lived a glorious and abundant life, meeting his Holy Father on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 7 in the morning. He had been a resident of Mercy McAuley Center for four years. Dow, lovingly called "Pops", was born on August 19, 1922, the seventh of eight children of L. Dow Ward and Blanche Middleton Ward. Born in Mad River Township on Nettle Creek Road, he lived there until March of 1930 when his family moved to West Route 36. Dow grew up on the family farm, committing his life to farming and helping others. He graduated from Westville High School in 1940, one of 24 students in the largest class the school had ever promoted. Active in his community from a young age, he coached the winning Westville High School basketball team in the county tournament, was active in 4-H clubs (especially enjoying the study of insects) and was a member of the Westville United Methodist Church, formerly the oldest living member. He was a 4-H leader for many years. Dow not only farmed the family farm, he worked for the Champaign County Livestock Sales for over twenty years, serving as manager and eventually owner. He spent many a late night at the fairgrounds, humbly volunteering during the 4-H livestock sales. He worked for over 25 years with Ward Construction, owned and operated by his son, Gregory Dow, and assisted his daughter, Sally, with her craft shows called "Christmas at The Ridge". He was an accomplished wood worker. A strong Graham supporter Dow was one of the original members of the Graham Booster's Club and a founding director in 1990 of the Graham Community Foundation, created to provide scholarships for Graham graduates. He was designated President Emeritus of GCF. Dow served the Graham Local Schools as school Treasurer (1964) and served on the Graham Local School Board in 1968 and 2000. He was a member and past-president of the Champaign County Board of Education. A long time Sunday School teacher and Superintendent, Trustee, and Administrative Board member for the Westville United Methodist church, he and his wife, Bonnie, hosted the church Homecoming Barbecue's, community events, and the Ward Family reunion at their home, The Ridge, for many years. It was a distinct joy for Dow and Bonnie to share their home and the " fishing hole" with so many. Dow was a member and past president of the Champaign County Harness Association. He was a member of the Magrew K of P Lodge, #433 and a 70 year member of Harmony Lodge #8 F&AM. Forever humble, a peace-maker, with an unconditional loving heart, Dow lived the sermon. His prayers and conciliatory nature will forever impact his family. He married Bonnie Jean Jenkins on November 4, 1945 at the First Baptist Church, Urbana, Ohio. They celebrated their 69th anniversary last year. Mrs. Ward survives along with their son, Gregory Dow Ward (Marcia), Urbana, and daughter, Sally Pickarski (John), Springfield. Dow is survived by six grandchildren - Katherine (Katie) Setty (Steve), Urbana; Vincent Ward (Megan), Cincinnati; Anthony Ward (Alicia), Baltimore, Maryland; Michael Pickarski (Megan), Columbus; Joe Pickarski ( Dawn), North Olmstead; and Steven Pickarski, Lexington, Kentucky. He is survived by 8 great-grandchildren - Anders, Aislen, Gillian, and Teagan Setty, Urbana; Adele and Hank Ward, Cincinnati; and Trenton and Sydney Pickarski, North Olmstead, and many nieces and nephews. Dow's family expresses their heartfelt appreciation to Mercy McAuley Center, nurses and aides, in particular Felicity Finch and Gene Fields. Their loving compassion was instrumental in the quality of Dow's life the last four years. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 14th, at 11 a.m. at the Westville United Methodist Church with Pastors Frank and Kym James and Pastor Chuck
L. Dow Ward, Jr, 92, our loving patriarch of four generations is now with his Lord and Savior. He lived a glorious and abundant life, meeting his Holy Father on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 7 in the morning. He had been a resident of Mercy McAuley Center for four years. Dow, lovingly called "Pops", was born on August 19, 1922, the seventh of eight children of L. Dow Ward and Blanche Middleton Ward. Born in Mad River Township on Nettle Creek Road, he lived there until March of 1930 when his family moved to West Route 36. Dow grew up on the family farm, committing his life to farming and helping others. He graduated from Westville High School in 1940, one of 24 students in the largest class the school had ever promoted. Active in his community from a young age, he coached the winning Westville High School basketball team in the county tournament, was active in 4-H clubs (especially enjoying the study of insects) and was a member of the Westville United Methodist Church, formerly the oldest living member. He was a 4-H leader for many years. Dow not only farmed the family farm, he worked for the Champaign County Livestock Sales for over twenty years, serving as manager and eventually owner. He spent many a late night at the fairgrounds, humbly volunteering during the 4-H livestock sales. He worked for over 25 years with Ward Construction, owned and operated by his son, Gregory Dow, and assisted his daughter, Sally, with her craft shows called "Christmas at The Ridge". He was an accomplished wood worker. A strong Graham supporter Dow was one of the original members of the Graham Booster's Club and a founding director in 1990 of the Graham Community Foundation, created to provide scholarships for Graham graduates. He was designated President Emeritus of GCF. Dow served the Graham Local Schools as school Treasurer (1964) and served on the Graham Local School Board in 1968 and 2000. He was a member and past-president of the Champaign County Board of Education. A long time Sunday School teacher and Superintendent, Trustee, and Administrative Board member for the Westville United Methodist church, he and his wife, Bonnie, hosted the church Homecoming Barbecue's, community events, and the Ward Family reunion at their home, The Ridge, for many years. It was a distinct joy for Dow and Bonnie to share their home and the " fishing hole" with so many. Dow was a member and past president of the Champaign County Harness Association. He was a member of the Magrew K of P Lodge, #433 and a 70 year member of Harmony Lodge #8 F&AM. Forever humble, a peace-maker, with an unconditional loving heart, Dow lived the sermon. His prayers and conciliatory nature will forever impact his family. He married Bonnie Jean Jenkins on November 4, 1945 at the First Baptist Church, Urbana, Ohio. They celebrated their 69th anniversary last year. Mrs. Ward survives along with their son, Gregory Dow Ward (Marcia), Urbana, and daughter, Sally Pickarski (John), Springfield. Dow is survived by six grandchildren - Katherine (Katie) Setty (Steve), Urbana; Vincent Ward (Megan), Cincinnati; Anthony Ward (Alicia), Baltimore, Maryland; Michael Pickarski (Megan), Columbus; Joe Pickarski ( Dawn), North Olmstead; and Steven Pickarski, Lexington, Kentucky. He is survived by 8 great-grandchildren - Anders, Aislen, Gillian, and Teagan Setty, Urbana; Adele and Hank Ward, Cincinnati; and Trenton and Sydney Pickarski, North Olmstead, and many nieces and nephews. Dow's family expresses their heartfelt appreciation to Mercy McAuley Center, nurses and aides, in particular Felicity Finch and Gene Fields. Their loving compassion was instrumental in the quality of Dow's life the last four years. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 14th, at 11 a.m. at the Westville United Methodist Church with Pastors Frank and Kym James and Pastor Chuck
Obituary Little and Rue Funeral Home
L. Dow Ward, Jr, 92, our loving patriarch of four generations is now with his Lord and Savior. He lived a glorious and abundant life, meeting his Holy Father on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 7 in the morning. He had been a resident of Mercy McAuley Center for four years. Dow, lovingly called "Pops", was born on August 19, 1922, the seventh of eight children of L. Dow Ward and Blanche Middleton Ward. Born in Mad River Township on Nettle Creek Road, he lived there until March of 1930 when his family moved to West Route 36. Dow grew up on the family farm, committing his life to farming and helping others. He graduated from Westville High School in 1940, one of 24 students in the largest class the school had ever promoted. Active in his community from a young age, he coached the winning Westville High School basketball team in the county tournament, was active in 4-H clubs (especially enjoying the study of insects) and was a member of the Westville United Methodist Church, formerly the oldest living member. He was a 4-H leader for many years. Dow not only farmed the family farm, he worked for the Champaign County Livestock Sales for over twenty years, serving as manager and eventually owner. He spent many a late night at the fairgrounds, humbly volunteering during the 4-H livestock sales. He worked for over 25 years with Ward Construction, owned and operated by his son, Gregory Dow, and assisted his daughter, Sally, with her craft shows called "Christmas at The Ridge". He was an accomplished wood worker. A strong Graham supporter Dow was one of the original members of the Graham Booster's Club and a founding director in 1990 of the Graham Community Foundation, created to provide scholarships for Graham graduates. He was designated President Emeritus of GCF. Dow served the Graham Local Schools as school Treasurer (1964) and served on the Graham Local School Board in 1968 and 2000. He was a member and past-president of the Champaign County Board of Education. A long time Sunday School teacher and Superintendent, Trustee, and Administrative Board member for the Westville United Methodist church, he and his wife, Bonnie, hosted the church Homecoming Barbecue's, community events, and the Ward Family reunion at their home, The Ridge, for many years. It was a distinct joy for Dow and Bonnie to share their home and the " fishing hole" with so many. Dow was a member and past president of the Champaign County Harness Association. He was a member of the Magrew K of P Lodge, #433 and a 70 year member of Harmony Lodge #8 F&AM. Forever humble, a peace-maker, with an unconditional loving heart, Dow lived the sermon. His prayers and conciliatory nature will forever impact his family. He married Bonnie Jean Jenkins on November 4, 1945 at the First Baptist Church, Urbana, Ohio. They celebrated their 69th anniversary last year. Mrs. Ward survives along with their son, Gregory Dow Ward (Marcia), Urbana, and daughter, Sally Pickarski (John), Springfield. Dow is survived by six grandchildren - Katherine (Katie) Setty (Steve), Urbana; Vincent Ward (Megan), Cincinnati; Anthony Ward (Alicia), Baltimore, Maryland; Michael Pickarski (Megan), Columbus; Joe Pickarski ( Dawn), North Olmstead; and Steven Pickarski, Lexington, Kentucky. He is survived by 8 great-grandchildren - Anders, Aislen, Gillian, and Teagan Setty, Urbana; Adele and Hank Ward, Cincinnati; and Trenton and Sydney Pickarski, North Olmstead, and many nieces and nephews. Dow's family expresses their heartfelt appreciation to Mercy McAuley Center, nurses and aides, in particular Felicity Finch and Gene Fields. Their loving compassion was instrumental in the quality of Dow's life the last four years. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 14th, at 11 a.m. at the Westville United Methodist Church with Pastors Frank and Kym James and Pastor Chuck
L. Dow Ward, Jr, 92, our loving patriarch of four generations is now with his Lord and Savior. He lived a glorious and abundant life, meeting his Holy Father on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 7 in the morning. He had been a resident of Mercy McAuley Center for four years. Dow, lovingly called "Pops", was born on August 19, 1922, the seventh of eight children of L. Dow Ward and Blanche Middleton Ward. Born in Mad River Township on Nettle Creek Road, he lived there until March of 1930 when his family moved to West Route 36. Dow grew up on the family farm, committing his life to farming and helping others. He graduated from Westville High School in 1940, one of 24 students in the largest class the school had ever promoted. Active in his community from a young age, he coached the winning Westville High School basketball team in the county tournament, was active in 4-H clubs (especially enjoying the study of insects) and was a member of the Westville United Methodist Church, formerly the oldest living member. He was a 4-H leader for many years. Dow not only farmed the family farm, he worked for the Champaign County Livestock Sales for over twenty years, serving as manager and eventually owner. He spent many a late night at the fairgrounds, humbly volunteering during the 4-H livestock sales. He worked for over 25 years with Ward Construction, owned and operated by his son, Gregory Dow, and assisted his daughter, Sally, with her craft shows called "Christmas at The Ridge". He was an accomplished wood worker. A strong Graham supporter Dow was one of the original members of the Graham Booster's Club and a founding director in 1990 of the Graham Community Foundation, created to provide scholarships for Graham graduates. He was designated President Emeritus of GCF. Dow served the Graham Local Schools as school Treasurer (1964) and served on the Graham Local School Board in 1968 and 2000. He was a member and past-president of the Champaign County Board of Education. A long time Sunday School teacher and Superintendent, Trustee, and Administrative Board member for the Westville United Methodist church, he and his wife, Bonnie, hosted the church Homecoming Barbecue's, community events, and the Ward Family reunion at their home, The Ridge, for many years. It was a distinct joy for Dow and Bonnie to share their home and the " fishing hole" with so many. Dow was a member and past president of the Champaign County Harness Association. He was a member of the Magrew K of P Lodge, #433 and a 70 year member of Harmony Lodge #8 F&AM. Forever humble, a peace-maker, with an unconditional loving heart, Dow lived the sermon. His prayers and conciliatory nature will forever impact his family. He married Bonnie Jean Jenkins on November 4, 1945 at the First Baptist Church, Urbana, Ohio. They celebrated their 69th anniversary last year. Mrs. Ward survives along with their son, Gregory Dow Ward (Marcia), Urbana, and daughter, Sally Pickarski (John), Springfield. Dow is survived by six grandchildren - Katherine (Katie) Setty (Steve), Urbana; Vincent Ward (Megan), Cincinnati; Anthony Ward (Alicia), Baltimore, Maryland; Michael Pickarski (Megan), Columbus; Joe Pickarski ( Dawn), North Olmstead; and Steven Pickarski, Lexington, Kentucky. He is survived by 8 great-grandchildren - Anders, Aislen, Gillian, and Teagan Setty, Urbana; Adele and Hank Ward, Cincinnati; and Trenton and Sydney Pickarski, North Olmstead, and many nieces and nephews. Dow's family expresses their heartfelt appreciation to Mercy McAuley Center, nurses and aides, in particular Felicity Finch and Gene Fields. Their loving compassion was instrumental in the quality of Dow's life the last four years. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 14th, at 11 a.m. at the Westville United Methodist Church with Pastors Frank and Kym James and Pastor Chuck
