Richard Ward

Richard Harold "Dick" Ward

...They are not lost who find the light of sun and stars and God...

On this day, we lovingly send our husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather to meet with his heavenly father. Richard Harold Ward, 92, left this earth on April 22, 2012 in Lafayette, Indiana. He was a man of faith and we will honor him by holding calling at the Linden United Methodist Church in Linden, Indiana on Tuesday April 24th, 2012 from 4:00 - 8:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 25th, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. at the Linden United Methodist Church, Linden, Indiana. Richard (or as everyone called him Dick), was born on March 7, 1920 in Montgomery County, Indiana to Homer Bratton and Myrtle Everson Ward. He farmed for 70 + years in Montgomery County, Indiana. He worked countless hours in the field of agriculture believing that everyone should have a passion for lifelong learning. His hard work and happiness shown through in so many ways with his knowledge of building a large working farm with his grandfather, father and son, restoring tractors and growing roses. He was an extraordinary individual with his energy, enthusiasm and zeal for education. His many passions included the love of his family, church, library and his beloved Purdue University. He was a 1943 graduate of Purdue University in Agricultural Economics. He was the founding chariman of the Purdue University Ag Alumni Trust Fund and served as its president since 1972 until recently...when he was named an emeritus board member. He also served on the Linden Library Board, and as a trustee for the Linden United Methodist Church. He received the Indiana Prarie Farmer "Master Farmer of the Year Award" in 1971, and the Purdue Ag Alumni Association Citizenship Award in 2004. He also served his country in the Navy during World War II aboad a mine sweeper as an ensign.
Richard is survived by his wife, Jeanne; his daughter and son-in-law, Nancy (Bill) Reece of Franklin, Tennessee; his son and daughter-in-law, Rick (Jan) Ward of Crawfordsville, Indiana; his sister, Mary Isabel Wilkins of Linden, Indiana; his four grandchildren, Reid Hudson, Erin (Jared) Kritenbrink, Todd (Dawn) Reece and Tricia (Jim) Calkins; also four great-grandchildren, Brecken Eugene Kritenbrink, Tyler Reece, Ashley Reece and Fred Learey. He was preceded in death by his infant sister, Helen Louise Ward.
Donations may be made to the Purdue Foundation Scholarship Fund for the Richard H. Ward Memorial, c/o Purdue University, 715 West State Street, Room 107, West Lafayette, IN, 47907. Hahn-Groeber Funeral & Cremation Services, Linden, IN. is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be left at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com.