Robert W. Ward

Robert W. Ward, 88, of Anderson, passed away Friday, November 30, 2018 at his residence surrounded by his family. He loved the Lord, his family and his friends, in that order. He was born November 12, 1930 in Anderson, the son of Lyle T. and Mary B. (Brown) Ward. He lived his entire life in Anderson with the exception of a few months spent at his lake home on Rock Lake in Akron, Indiana and their condo in Hallendale Beach, Florida. Bob was a 1949 graduate of Anderson High School. He attended Ball State Teacher’s College (n/k/a Ball State University) for a short while prior to entering the Apprenticeship Program at Delco Remy where he began as a draftsman. He received two “Boss” Kettering Awards for his innovations in Magnetic Cores and Magnetic Field Sensors. After many successes with his 17 patents, he was promoted to Engineer status. Bob retired after nearly 42 years of service in 1991. Up until two months ago, he met with his “drafting room” buddies for a monthly breakfast where they had the same waitress, Kim at Eva’s, who made them all feel special. After retirement, he continued to work as a consultant to companies located in Ningbo, China and Quebec, Canada. Bob purchased and with the help of his family, restored a half block of buildings, in downtown Anderson on Meridian Street which included the Phil’s Men’s Shop, Venus Chocolate Shop and the Golden House Chinese Restaurant. Likewise, he renovated six properties, on the street where he lived as a boy—West 8th Street. Later in life, Bob accepted Christ as his Savior. He was baptized and became a member of the Anderson Church of the Brethren. While at the lake cottage on weekends, Bob and wife, Ellen, regularly attended Akron Church of the Brethren. Bob was President of Full Gospel Businessmen for many years. In 1975, he was the Republican candidate for the Mayor of Anderson with his campaign motto being, “In God We Trust”. In later years, Bob pursued many hobbies. He was quite the artist, sketching and painting things he enjoyed. Bob also enjoyed golfing, bowling and playing the organ, taking lessons at Lambert’s Music Center. He also loved writing and visiting the library to research and study many topics. One of those studies was the history of grocery stores on West 8th Street here in Anderson. His love of grocery stores began with his first job at a small store called Webber’s. He is survived by his wife, Ellen M. (Spall) Ward whom he married in 1950 after being high school sweethearts. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary this past August. Survivors also include his daughters, Debra D. (Ervin) Berry and Misty L. (Dan) Novak, both of Anderson; a brother, Jack T. (Billie Jean) Ward of Sun City Center, Florida; grandchildren, David B. Sturgeon of Muncie, Joel N. (Hillary) Novak of Anderson, Brytni L. (Jason) Hessler of Pendleton and Stephen R. (Leah) Berry of Lapel; nine great-grandchildren, Chloe, Camden, Lily, Kendall, Connor, Ethan, Gage, Asher and Savannah; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Special longtime friends include Steve Anderson and Carl Christensen. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother and sister in-law, Richard L. and Shirley Ward; his sister in-law, Janet S. Smitherman; and his grandson, Zachary J. Novak. We wish to thank St. Vincent Hospice of Anderson, especially: Jessica, Susan and Natasha. Special thanks go out to home healthcare workers Rosie, Thelma and Ann. Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Service & Crematory. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at the Anderson Church of the Brethren, with the Rev. Spencer Spaulding officiating. Visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in East Maplewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Zachary J. Novak Memorial Scholarship at Anderson University or Anderson Education Foundation. Additionally, contributions may be made to the Anderson Church of the Brethren or the Akron Church of the Brethren.