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Terry Ward Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Terry Ward
Robert Cole
January 18, 2025
We love you, Terry, and we'd welcome any opportunity to tie a few on with over free beer and a great big bowl of bean dip and some spicy wings. God bless you, son
Rachel Samaniego
August 8, 2023
Absolutely, without a doubt, the very best written obituary of all time! Thank you for your service Mr Terry Ward.
Rest In Peace!
Hamburger helper, yuck!
Ruth Hanken
January 18, 2022
I sent a message of condolence in Jan 2018 but received a notice of your dad´s obituary today. I read his obituary again and still think it´s about the best piece of literature I´ve ever read. So funny, honest and humble. May God continue to watch over your family and hold you in His arms.
Ruth
Merl King
March 21, 2020
What a great guy. Like him, I love Blues Brothers, Clint Eastwood (I named my son Clint), and free beer. I also put in 33 years in the phone business.
May God Bless such a wonderful family.
Robert Shanks
February 13, 2020
I didn't know Terry, I'm 78 and also a military veteran. Our nation is free because of men like Terry. I wish I could have known him, it would have been a distinct honor. I did 31 years in the USAF, I'm a mustang working my way up from the enlisted ranks. And yes, there a lot of us out there just like Terry. May Terry rest in peace and God Bless his wonderful family.
Bob Shanks
Col USAFR (Ret)
Nikki Ortega
February 7, 2020
I have been reading through the obits because I wanted one like this for my mom. Terry must have been a wonderful man to raise kids who lived him enough to write such a beautiful, classy and funny life story for him. I only hope my mom's will turn out half as good. This is not easy when it's a parent be ok r any li c Ed one. The strength to get one who w r it's I to must have been to be able to ok focus on Terry so beautifully is amazing. I hope when my time comes someone will write something this unique and outstanding for me. Thank you for sharing Terry's life with us. He must have been quite a card. God bless yo the family and say hi to Mom for me Terry. Her name is Patricia Coelho Martin. She's an amazing and funny person too. You will both get along great thank you & keep the rainbow bridge open for me too.
Care
January 20, 2020
I sincerely hope Terrys family has found some peace and comfort since his passing. Its obvious he was a beloved husband and father. This is the time of year awards are doled out to celebrities for a variety of things.........but none can surpass this ongoing memorial tribute to a non-actor who goes by the name Terry Ward. He would garner many awards for his various duties he performed while on earth...... best husband, best father, best soldier, most prepared for a zombie apocalypse! The list goes on and on. But being the gentle soul he seems to have been, he would leave a few awards for the Hollywood crowd, like best haircut, or shiniest shoes or most unique color clothing (Im sure there is some sort of award for that) at the awards ceremony. He managed to snagged the best ones out there! I do hope this on going memorial will put a smile on his familys faces. He certainly was one of a kind. God bless.
TINA SMITH
October 7, 2019
Dear Friends & Family of Terry,
I came across this obit. looking for someone else on FB & from the comments, something told me to open it and read it. So glad I did! I was laughing in the first sentence!! Those of us who never met the physical Terry feel like we still know some of his heart and soul from these livelier than life words. What a wonderful life he lived & loved!! God is good & he lets us keep the love we receive from others when they pass on to the next life, so they will always be a part of us until we meet them again. What a gift this man continues to give!! God Bless you all & thank you for sharing your Terry. :) ♥
Patricia Harrison
July 15, 2019
From a family, in Pa., We just saw this article and obit. Congratulations, to Terry, for raising children that would write this final tribute. I also had a dad who was unusual, in such a wonderful way. The meek shall inherit the earth and move on to heaven. Terry say hi, to Ralph, my father.
Craig Colbert
June 28, 2019
I never knew Terry, but reading his obituary, i feel we were friends.
I see he was a vet and is in Arlington, I have relatives there, and i am only a two hour drive away, and when i visit, i am going to stop by and pay my respects to a great guy i loved but never got to meet
Kayla Crawford
May 15, 2019
I, like many others, found Terry's obituary online. I saved it over a year ago and frequently come back to read it. It's amazing how many people have been touched by his story! He must have been an incredible human being. I've shared it many times and it always brings smiles. I pray that his family has found peace and knows that his story continues to touch people everywhere!
Linda Watkins
April 6, 2019
Sorry for your loss, I would have loved to have known Mr. Ward.
March 1, 2019
I came across this obit via Guidepost, I enjoyed reading about the life of Terry Ward. My deepest condolences to his wife and other family members. RIP Terry Ward, RIP.
Tiffany Eaton
February 14, 2019
This is an amazing obituary, I think we all hope that someone knows us well enough to speak on our lives with such candid honesty. Your dad sounds like an all-around great guy, and you seem like a great daughter as well.
Ki. Hayes
February 9, 2019
Awesome Obituary....Im sure you were an awesome dude!! REST WELL BUD.
Patrick Creeden
February 7, 2019
I was linked to this obituary from another site. After reading this obituary, all I can say is he must have been a hoot and I wish I knew him.
Phoebe Hines
February 7, 2019
I did not know Terry,never heard of him before finding his obit on the internet,but after reading the obit I wished I had of met him,he sounds like a very likable huggable gentle giant of a man,from what I have read his wife and children probably never had a dull moment when he was around,I am sure he will be missed by a lot of people,I am so sorry for your loss,fly high Terry.
Tracy Thacker
February 6, 2019
Read this via Facebook and sounds like he was the all around mostest imperfect man, husband, father and grandpa this world could ever ask for. ❤ Seems to me the world lost a great man the day this beautiful soul left this earth. In awe that even in his death he's gained much honor and respect. Thank you for your service sir and rest easy in Heaven and hope you're entertaining the best of the best up there. May God bless your family forever. (Listing myself as a friend. Woulda been an honor!)
Lisa Tomlinson
February 6, 2019
This is the greatest obituary Ive ever read. I am honored to have met and grieved Mr. Ward through the words of his obit. Life, well-lived. Passing, well-honored. Thank you for your service to our country and to your family. Peace and love to his dear family and friends. xo
J Thornburg
February 4, 2019
Prayers to his family &friends.
Life well lived.What Joy he shared with the people he loved.He knew what was important here on earth.Love one another and make it contagious to others.May GOD bless him.
Liz Puczylowski
February 1, 2019
This is the most down to earth obit I have ever read. God Bless Terry Ward and his family. It sounds like he was one helluva guy. Prost!!
Janet Okeeffe
January 31, 2019
God Bless Terry Ward and please comfort his family. I was just sent this wonderful obituary! What a great commentary on your lives how much love and fun! Kathy life reminds us every day how much we miss our guys. I hope this year has been kind to you. I lost my guy 3 years ago.. Missing him doesn't go away but time helps dry some tears. Lots of great thoughts to you
Marion Hetzel
January 30, 2019
Never have I seen a more honest and hilarious obituary. Condolences to the family.
Carol Atkinson
January 30, 2019
Rock on Terry and use that delightful wit and sense of humor of yours to enrich the souls of those you meet on the other side.
Sharon Fenderson
January 29, 2019
So inspired by Terry Wards message, for it is not in dying that we should forget living, but it is in living that we never forget dying. Moving forward I will enjoy every sip I take.
Cheers to you Terry!
Jennifer Riggs
January 29, 2019
Sounds like a remarkable man who loved truly, was truly loved and will be dearly missed. If we could all be described so accurately by our loved ones. I feel like I knew Terry. Rest in peace ❤
Lulu N
January 29, 2019
This is so great -- I feel like I know this person, which makes me feel for his family's loss. I hope your hearts have been buoyed by your humor.
Deb Oakes
January 28, 2019
I never met him and that's regrettable. His surviving family has the best senses of humor ever. I can only assume that Terry shared that attribute. My brother passed away 3 years ago at the age of 64 and he, too, had an amazing sense of humor. It makes me smile to think that maybe they've met. May they both RIP.
K Davis
January 28, 2019
What at amazing man. I hope my life is at least half as well-remembered. Bless you, sir. I hope to meet you on the other side.
Mike
January 28, 2019
Definitely sounds like an ol phoneman. I never knew the man but feel like I couldve worked along side him. From an At&t phoneman from WI (and black tape collector) my condolences.
Amy
January 27, 2019
I will be at my watering hole later today.....cheers to you Terry!
Joshua Folsom
January 27, 2019
I missed out not knowing this man.
Angelia
January 21, 2019
He sounds like an awesome man.
Jennifer Livingstone
January 11, 2019
Although Im a complete stranger and I never met Terry, I already feel sad that I didnt. What a beautiful and real tribute to an amazing man. It makes me appreciate my father even more. Thank you for writing such an honest tribute to give us a picture of Terrys personality and life. I am sure he will be beyond missed.
Marianne Falkenberg
October 23, 2018
God said "Let there be light," so he created Linemen. Now my Wayne- a Lineman also, has a buddy from the Brotherhood to create laughter with up there
Myra York
September 6, 2018
Very sweet obit!
Tiffany Bowerman
August 29, 2018
I did not know Terry but I have no doubt that those who did were better for it! Prayers for your family.
June Perry
August 29, 2018
A loving daughter ❤❤❤
Your dad's obit reminded me of my own dad. Thank you for sharing his love of life and personality with us all all. Social media can be rewarding and used for things good. Your dad will ALWAYS be with you as I can see a part of his personality is also yours to carry on with. I know he is proud of you as he watches over his family now...
With much love and respect from a reader in Rhode Island...❤♀❤
Peter Fleming
August 29, 2018
Dear Ward family,
I didn't know Terry buy I wish I did. This obituary is making the rounds on social media and seems like Terry has been making a lot more friends. To whomever wrote this, great job capturing a life and giving us a living, breathing picture of the man. He may not be here anymore, but it doesn't read like his memory is going away anytime soon.
My sincere condolences on your loss.
Frank Johnson
August 29, 2018
I did not know Terry, I never met Terry. However, after reading his obituary, I feel as though I too lost a friend. May his family find comfort in the knowledge that, even after his passing, he is bringing joy to the world he left behind.
Leta Murray
August 25, 2018
When society looses another good one!! Condolences to your family. Must say...wish I was your dads neighbor. Seems like a righteous fella
Joe Daniel
August 25, 2018
Heres to great fathers! I hope Terry and my Dad (Lin) are drinking cold beer and playing a round of golf this Saturday afternoon.
Dad, meet Terry!
Terry, meet my dad - Lin!
Have fun you two!!!!
Charisse Jordan
August 21, 2018
My condolences to your family. You can feel the love from your thoughtful obituary. Your dad definitely seems like a great guy and will be missed by all he touched.
Megan L
August 16, 2018
Sending good thoughts and prayers to you and your family... You can absolutely feel the love and happiness you shared with your father. ❤
Sonja Howe
August 13, 2018
My sister died last Tuesday night. I read your fathers obituary on Facebook and could feel the love your family had for him. When we had my sisters service yesterday, we closed it with the theme song from Law and Order. It was the ringtone on her phone. Audible wails of pain immediately turned to wails of laughter. Love them as they were.
Cheri Eplin
August 12, 2018
Did not even know your dad but one of the most brilliant obituaries ever written. Sounds like a guy I wouldve loved to have known. Condolences to you, your family, and all of his friends.
Michelle Mcclain
August 7, 2018
Best obituary ever. Im sure hes laughing in heaven. Sounded like a great man. My deepest condolences to his family
Janice Hoffman
July 24, 2018
Absolutely beautiful tribute . Every one should be so fortunate to have such love and memories.
Donna Castro
July 24, 2018
I loved this! What a wonderful family you all must be.
Roger G
July 18, 2018
My deepest condolences to his family. As someone myself with a slightly left of center mindset, I found great comfort and joy with his obit. While I never knew him or met him, I appreciate his sense of humor, and to his family who obviously knew that this rather unusual obit was the perfect send off for him.
May the smiles he left for you brighten the remainder of your days, as they have mine.
Jack B
June 7, 2018
This guy had a great attitude. We need more guys like this. Thanks for the memories.
Dion Francis
June 7, 2018
Terry Ward, a new legend and a wonderful example of husband, father, brother, grandfather and family man who obviously loved and cared for his family and friends. Thank you to his family for providing wonderful thoughts and a psotive outlook for me today. Terry Ward is now a legend to me. Wonderful sentiments.
Jerry Williams
June 7, 2018
Bravo! The man obviously had good taste!
J Ramirez
June 6, 2018
This is the best obit ever. You must have been one helluva guy, Terry! RIP brother!
Anthony & Theresa Ward
June 6, 2018
You were the greatest and we are truly sorry that we never got to meet you in person. Thank you for brightening up the world with your personality. We will definitely be drinking a few cocktails in your honor tonight and from this day forth at this Ward household, hummus will now be called bean dip as per your instructions.
Kristi Wright
June 6, 2018
Although I did not know Terry or his family, I came across this amazing obit on google, and wanted to offer my deepest condolences to my fellow Hoosiers. It sounds like he was an amazing guy with an amazing family! I bet Terry was a real hoot. I wonder if we crossed paths at Turkey Run? It is also my absolute favorite park in Indiana to hike. From now on, when I'm climbing the million stairs at the end/beginning of the trail, I will remember Terry, and offer up a prayer of peace and comfort for his family. Thank you for sharing his final words amd God Bless you all ♥
Susan Dudley
June 5, 2018
What a guy!! Has to be among the top obituaries ever written. Great memories live on.
Lisa S.
June 5, 2018
Didn't know Terry, but sounds like he was a wonderful man, amazing grandfather and parent. Many hearts were touched and beautiful memories were made.
Kelly Sheufelt
June 5, 2018
Best obituary ever!!
Rebecca Nieto
June 5, 2018
My heartfelt condolences for all who loved Terry. Wow, such a beautifully artfully written tribute. It was clearly written with love, respect and gratitude. Its obvious that Terry found joy in life and in turn created joy for others. The description of him was so vivid and full of life, his life . Extremely touching and well done .
Jill S
June 5, 2018
Terry sounds like a remarkable man and I wish I could have known him. He reminds me of my own dad who had a similar sense of humor, was also a Vietnam vet and passed away much too soon. God bless you and your family and thank you for sharing a glimpse of Terrys life with us.
Judy Beresford
June 5, 2018
I cannot say I knew this man, but I am sure I would have enjoyed being his friend. Thanks to his family and loved ones for sharing his life with the world. My condolences and blessings on all his family and loved ones and friends. Seems he has touched many in his lifetime, and beyond.
Jonathan
June 5, 2018
Mr Terry, you were an awesome guy. I never had the privilege of knowing you - I haven't been to Illinois, for that matter. But I hope you are smiling down on everybody from above. You have a family that loves you very much.
Wanda
May 29, 2018
Would have truly been a blessing to know. God bless you for letting us share in your loving memories, too very often the "good in someone" is not shared.
Tina Sullivan
May 25, 2018
I didn't know Terry, but he seemed like a nice man. My condolences to his family and friends!
Nikki Ortega
May 10, 2018
Although I didnt know Terry I would have loved to have met him. What a cool and down to earth man. We need more like him. I feel like I know him after reading that well written and so beautifully described obituary. I pray the family find peace and solise in all the out pouring of love and support you have recieved . It may be a little bit of Terry speaking to you from beyond, letting you know hes ok & happy. God bless and thank you for the smiles.
Jeff Pellarin
May 9, 2018
Terry, I never knew you, but I wish I did. Your obituary (which is becoming the stuff of internet legend) says it all. A life lived Wow. I hope that when I pass similar memories are left trailing behind me.
Diinne Pledger
April 26, 2018
What a wonderful obituary for an obvious lover of life and family. Thank you so much for sharing. I believe that he would love that you have made so many people smile. God Bless You!
Kyle
April 22, 2018
My father passed almost 9 years ago and this past April 7th would have been his 70th birthday. It was a tough day and he is always on my mind in one way or another. I stumbled across Terry's obituary, and I want to say thank you. Even though I didn't know him, I know he was a great guy. This helped me remember my dad in this way as well. I am very sorry for your loss, but please know that this is making many people who read this laugh and cry(in a good way) about their own Terry. Thank you again.
Janet Stoda
April 19, 2018
I never knew him, but he sounded like the most wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. God bless you and your family.
John DPT
April 16, 2018
Sorry for your loss, Terry is the guy I strive to be some day.
Kelly McNair
April 14, 2018
Did not know him but by this I know I would have loved him! So sorry for your loss.
Lisa Mitchell
April 14, 2018
Rest In Peace, Mr. Ward. Say hello to my son for me and tell him I've never stopped loving him ❤
April 11, 2018
Never met him, and I miss him already! What a lovely obituary. My condolences to your family.
April 7, 2018
Sounded like a damn good guy. RIP
Shannah
April 7, 2018
What a wonderful send off for a guy who truly loved life and his family. Terry is the guy we all wish we could have met. That's says a lot about him. ❤
Lane Nichols
April 6, 2018
What a beautiful tribute. I can only hope to be loved and remembered so wonderfully by my friends and family.
Daniel Smith
April 6, 2018
God Bless you for honoring your Dad as he was, true to his legacy..with love and respect. I appreciate your words. Laughter and humor does not always get the respect it deserves and those with the heart to share it may slip away from us without the recognition of their passion. You were blessed to have him and he obviously loved you all.
I'm fortunate to have seen it and will share it with my family. Any Dad should be so fortunate to be portrayed as accurately
Matt
April 4, 2018
This is, by far, one of the best and most lovingly-written obits I have ever read. Your dad sounds like he was a great guy who was fun to be around. I can tell that he will he sorely missed. I'm very sorry for your family's loss.
Karl S
April 4, 2018
What an outstanding person and family man. I wish I had been able to meet him. What an outstanding family as well.
Richard Hall
April 3, 2018
Best Obituary I have ever heard. Sorry for your loss. DPT listener.
Rocky Reynolds
April 2, 2018
Dumb People Town gave Terry a send off worthy of a statesman.
Jeremy M
March 31, 2018
Terry seems like a great guy. DPT listener
March 31, 2018
Terry Ward sounded like a fun and great dad! Cathy has a knack for writing obits.
Sorry for your loss!!! DPT member
Jennifer Baldwin
March 30, 2018
So sorry for your loss. I loved listening to the obituary on DPT. Awesome to hear such funny things to make a sad time a little easier.
DPT Danny
March 30, 2018
I hope you and my Dad get a chance to meet up there and have a drink and bean dip! RIP from a DPT Townie!!!
Donovan Gesting
March 29, 2018
Listened to the DPT podcast and I wish the world had more Terry Ward's. Great Job Cath!
bruce braden
March 28, 2018
didn't know Terry or the fam, but the humor vibe in the obit rang true with me. all of you sound like champions and I'm sorry I didn't get the opportunity to know him. read the obit from a news link (WaPo?) and then heard the DPT podcast. so welcome to the town Ward family!
Jody
March 28, 2018
Great job Cath with the obit. Sorry for your loss. Terry sounds like he was a great man, father, husband, and friend. Terry, save me a spot at the bar in the big house.
DPT Kayla
March 28, 2018
I, like many others, never met Terry and was lead here by Dumb People Town. Terry sounds like an amazing man and I am so sorry for your family's loss. He obviously left an amazing and hilarious legacy. I wish I could have known him, but I'll have a drink in his honor tonight!
Much love from a DPT Townie!
Pete
March 27, 2018
To life lived the best way possible. Here's to you Terry
DPT Kevin Jenkins
March 27, 2018
Terry sounds like a guy I'd have loved to have a beer with - instead, I'll buy a round on Friday in his honor.
DPT Kay
March 27, 2018
Congratulations on successfully conveying the joy Terry brought into your lives and spreading that joy through DPT. Condolences on his absence, but I can tell he's left a mark that will be remembered for eons.
Wish my family would be brave enough to remember me that way.
Angela Benedict
March 26, 2018
Terry, we would have been friends if we had to ever met. From one vet to another, Welcome Home, brother. I love the touching obituary your family made for you. If not hilarious. May whatever comes next bring you and your family happiness.
DPT Sollozzo
March 26, 2018
RIP Mr Ward. The way you lived your life is inspirational and should be celebrated.
Im glad you visited DPT, youre one of us now
Eric Ortega
March 25, 2018
Just listed to Terry's obituary on Dumb People Town. I hope my family remember me with as much hilarity as you remember him. Sounds like you have an amazing family and great memories of Terry.
Wish I could have met him.
Townie Smoo
March 25, 2018
RIP, Mr. Ward. Beers and bean dips on me if I see you in the after. I speak for every Townie when I say I wish I had met you while you were here. Cheers!
DPT Willis
March 24, 2018
Long story short: I was listening to the Dumb People Town podcast & ended up here. I am sorry for your family's loss, but I am grateful to have learned about this great man! Cheers! God bless Terry Ward.
DPT Townie
March 24, 2018
Add me to the list of people who have never met Terry but have been touched by the legacy of love and laughter his life brought to the world. Thank you for sharing this great man with the rest of the world.
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