Edward Ard

Edward James Ard CHESAPEAKE - Retired U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Edward James Ard passed away Sept. 13, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. at Churchland House Assisted Living Home. Capt. Ard served honorably for more than 38 years, having enlisted in the Coast Guard at age 17 in 1941. Capt. Ard was born in Sault Saint Marie, Mich., on May 5, 1923, the son of the late Cmdr. Nelson Napoleon Ard and Agnes Belinda (Smith) Ard. In his career, Capt. Ard has the distinction of serving as the commanding officer of U.S. Coast Guard Supply Center, Portsmouth; U.S. Coast Guard Supply Center, Brooklyn; and U.S. Coast Guard Support Center, Portsmouth. Following his retirement from the Coast Guard, Ed Ard remained very active with St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Portsmouth, serving as a lay eucharist minister in the Episcopal Church, as a leader for Bible and Adult Studies, and on the church vestry. Capt. Ard's survivors include his wife of 62 years, Alice Cerny Ard; two sons, Nelson C. Ard with wife Shelly, and Brig. Gen. W.P. Ard, U.S. Air Force, retired; daughter-in-law Jackie O'Kelly Ard; and four grandchildren, Allyson, Tracey, Tim and Tyler. Graveside services with military honors will be held at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk, VA 23434 on Monday, Sept. 27, at 11 a.m. Snellings Funeral Home, Churchland Chapel, handling arrangements. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Ed's name. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.snellingsfuneralhome.com.