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Ward Edwards Obituary
Ward Ray Edwards Jr., 49, of Columbus, Indiana, died tragically as a victim of gunshot wounds incurred in a murder-suicide at his work place on Thursday, March 10, 2016. He was born to the late Ward Edwards Sr. and Mary Joan Edwards.
He married Nancy Viegler on August 13, 1994, in Columbus, Indiana. Ward was a graduate of H.D. Jacobs H.S., class of '84 and the University of Illinois where he earned a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Engineering. He was a devoted husband and father and his greatest love was his wife, children and family. It has left a hole in our hearts that will never heal.
Ward is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; son, Eli; and daughter, Emma; sisters, Kim (and Scott Burnett) of Tulsa, Ok, Robin (and Ray Foster) of Crystal Lake, IL, Jennifer (and Larry Hauf) of Crystal Lake, IL, Kelly (and Tom Giardino) of Dundee IL.
The private service will be held at a future date for family only.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ward Edwards
Sponsored by Hathaway-Myers Dignity Memorial Chapel.
Dennis Hurst
March 9, 2024
Ward was a great engineer but, more importantly, a great young man. Sorry that we lost him so soon.
Lynn and Jack Sparks
March 8, 2024
Sending love, hugs, and prayers to all of Ward's family and friends today!!!
Derek Ferguson
March 8, 2023
This time of year always has me thinking of Ward, his warm smile and his gentle attitude. I continue to think of Ward every day, and I pray for his family.
Dennis Hurst
March 8, 2023
Ward worked for me at Cummins early in his career. He was a very good engineer but more importantly a great person. Soft spoken but always a hard worker.
Sam Hires
March 8, 2022
Ward lives on in our hearts. Loss of Ward was a great tragedy for all who knew him. May his family be graced by peace.
Derek Ferguson
March 8, 2020
Theres not a day that goes by where I dont think about Ward. He was a big influence on my life and career, and one of the nicest people I knew. Every day I sit in the same space at work and see Wards memorial, and it reminds me to be a better person.
April 7, 2016
Ward always had a smile, and warm greeting each morning that I saw him. He was a hard worker, and was always there at work at 7:00 am to start the day. To the family, I'm very sorry for your great loss. We'll see Ward again one day in heaven, where he's rejoicing with our blessed Savior Jesus Christ.
Virginia Willistein
April 5, 2016
In loving memory of a wonderful person. I will love and miss you always.
Love,
Aunt Virginia
April 5, 2016
No words can express our sorrow for your great loss, Nancy and children. I have such fond memories of Wardy when we were little kids. Our prayers are with you all.
Cousin Pam Fink and husband Paul Fink (Aunt Ginny's daughter)
Eric Ker
April 5, 2016
No words are capable of healing the loss. May god bless Ward's soul and Edward family. I am a Chinese American. I fell sorrow and sorry for the tragedy.
Dennis Hurst
April 5, 2016
Ward used to work for me at the OLY Building for Cummins on the Dodge/Chrysler account before I retired from Cummins. He was a very good engineer and a great guy to work with. I am blessed that I was able to know him. Praying for the family at this time of their loss.
Dennis Hurst
Mary (Mategrano) Underhill
March 26, 2016
I did not leave my name with my memory of Ward. Apologies for the oversight.
Mary
Cherie Pressley (Dynako)
March 25, 2016
Prayers for his wife and kids. He was one of kindest and warmest people I had the honor to know.
March 25, 2016
I went to middle school, high school and the First Cogregational Church of Algonquin. There were a lot of things we used to do at Church with Gary Miller and all the senior high kids including our confirmation in 8th grade. During those years, I got to know Wardy very well. When we were 13, my mom, (Pam Novak), had a New Year's Eve sleep over at our house...highly supervised...with Ward, Jim Wacholz, Heidi Soerhmann and my brother, Lou. It was a great time with lots of laughing and antics throughout the night. He was also a gentleman. I remember once after he got his license, Ward gave me a ride. He refused to leave until I put my seatbelt on. Now, remember, this was in the days where seatbelts were only a suggestion. (When we were kids, we grew up with our parents driving a station wagon while we rolled around in the back.) He said we weren't leaving because everyone he drives in his car was his responsibility. Well, that did it for me and I put my seatbelt on. Ward will be remembered as the kind-hearted and gentle soul he was. My prayers and heart-felt sympathies go out to his whole family, Mrs. Edwards and the girls. I appreciate the time our paths crossed. And for that, I'm a better person.
Randy & Debbie Greer
March 24, 2016
To all Ward's family including his sweet mom, Joan, we are so sorry for what happened and for your loss. Words can't express the sadness. We do want you to know your are in our hearts and our prayers.
March 21, 2016
Nancy, Eli, and Emma. Our deepest condolences and sympathies for you all. Ward was a remarkable person and we were blessed with his presence.
From the Farrar's
Greg, Andria, Alex, Ava
March 21, 2016
My heart goes out to the entire Edwards family.
I have not seen Ward since high school but have many memories. I ran with him (usually behind him), for all four years. He was our top runner, but always looked out for all his teammates. As mentioned by many, he was super nice and very generous.
Our senior year, Ward and I were both presented with the class sportsmanship award. The winner of this award got to go to Wrigley field for an on the field ceremony prior to a Cubs game. Unfortunately, only one of us could go. Ward knew how big of a Cubs fan I was and let me go. I will never forget that. To me, that is what Ward was all about.
Rest in peace Ward. You will be missed.
Paul Adams and family
Margaret Noyes
March 20, 2016
Sorry for your loss, to Robin and Ray and the rest of the Edwards family
March 20, 2016
Nancy and family,
I haven't seen Ward for over thirty years, but have nice memories of him between 1975 and 1983. I met Ward in 1975 when my family moved into Algonquin, two houses away from Ward's house. He and I became friends. I remember playing in his basement together. He shared with me his Mattel Football, which was really cool and hard to find back then. I also remember going with him on his paper route, and him teaching me how to do the route, so I could fill in for him when he was on vacation. He had a skateboard, and so I got one too. We would skateboard around the subdivision over and over. In reading the other memories, I am not at all surprised at the many comments reflecting Ward's kindness, gentleness and generosity, as that is the way he was as a kid. One summer, his dad took him camping in Wisconsin, and they invited me to go along. It was a great trip. The best memory is when we went canoeing for a day, down many small waterways and across some lakes. It was so much fun, that many years later, it made me want to create the same kind of experience with my kids. While I did enjoy those other canoe outings, there never was one quite as fun as that original time I went with Ward and his dad. Galatians 5:22-23 says; But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; Those are words that describe Ward as I remember him, as a boy, and from the many lives he obviously touched since then, remained an accurate description of who he was until he was called home. May God comfort you and your family, and meet your every need.
In Christ,
Jim Wachholz
Scott Butzin
March 19, 2016
Ward's and my paths only crossed for a few years while I was at U of I and later at Cummins. He was as humble, good-natured, and helpful a man as you'd ever hope to meet. I'm just dumbfounded by his tragic and untimely departure. My sincerest condolences to Nancy and the rest of your family for your loss.
Stephanie McKinney
March 17, 2016
Ward was a good friend and neighbor. He helped us build our deck, play set and helped us move. He was a very generous man. Nancy, you and the kids are in our prayers. Much love, Patrick & Stephanie
Kim Straub
March 17, 2016
Nancy,
May God comfort your family during your time of sorrow. We love you!
With my deepest sympathy,
Kim Kathrens Straub
Colin Norris
March 17, 2016
Words escape me from the tragedy loss of Ward. I worked with Ward for the past 4 years since his return to High Horsepower. He was a hard working honest man. He would be one of the first in the offices in the morning and one of the last in the evening to leave. His loss in such a horrific way is difficult to comprehend.
I only socialized with him a couple of times outside of work but it was clear from those interactions and social chat in work that he was a dedicated husband & father
Ryan Hou
March 16, 2016
Dear Nancy, from a member of Chinese community here, I'm so sorry and hurt deeply in my heart this happened! I'm troubled everyday and pray to the lord to guide us all!
Maria Yang
March 16, 2016
Nancy, I've been thinking of you non- stop since last week. Such a shock in so many ways! Hard to believe a week ago we were sitting next to each other at steering and having a great meeting with all of our Moppets sisters. Many hugs and constant prayers. Thinking of you, Eli and Emma and your parents and Ward's parents. Thankful you know the Lord is holding you all through this. Many prayers and hugs at this time. Maria, Xiaoping, Lulu and Jasmine Yang
Matt Young
March 16, 2016
I had the pleasure of being a colleague and friend of Ward's for the past 5 years. Not only was Ward a kind and gentle man, but he was mentor to other people he worked with. He showed by example how to be dedicated, hardworking engineer while at the same time being passionately devoted family man. We spent some time together away from the office on a work trip to England a few years back. The trip didn't go so well. Testing parts weren't delivered on time, then they wouldn't work when installed. Our hotel even caught on fire while we were at dinner after a long day in the test cell! Frustrated as I was, Ward was the calm and collected one of the bunch that helped us focus to accomplish the task at hand. Nancy, Eli & Emma, he talked about you guys with so much love even while being an ocean away. Words can't express the sorrow I feel for what your family has had to experience. Please know that Ward will forever be remembered as a man we all looked up to. Dedicated to his craft and more importantly to his family.
Matt & Sarah Young
Dave Baldwin
March 16, 2016
I first became acquainted with Ward a short time after announcing my desire to turn over the treasurer role for Boy Scout Troop 557. True to the character witnessed by so many others, Ward was made aware of an opportunity to serve and stepped forward. When he told me his name, I realized he was the father of a new Scout, Eli, who had already made a very positive impression on my sons. In subsequent years, I came to know Ward as a friend who took great pride in his family, especially Eli and Emma. I always looked forward to spending time with him during the Monday evening Troop meetings or on outings. One time I was out walking during a campout and stumbled across Ward sitting by himself. After some prodding, he shared that he was passing a kidney stone! We talked for awhile and then returned to camp without another soul knowing what Ward was enduring. Our conversations ranged from the light-hearted to philosophical, but the common thread was Ward's continual striving to give as much as he could of himself to help others. As someone else said, this world needs more people like Ward Edwards.
Jerry Song
March 16, 2016
Ward was my office neighbor at CTC middle of the 3rd floor sitting in the next cubicle to mine back in 2003, a cube I used to be in before. He was the kindest nicest guy. My wife Sooyeon and our kids David and Katie went to MOPS with Nancy and their children Eli and Emma.
We are deeply saddened by the loss.
Jerry & Sooyeon Song
David Hirt
March 16, 2016
Nancy, I would like to express my and my family's deepest condolences. We continue to pray for peace and understanding for your and extended family. May God give you exactly what you need at the right time through this and in the future.
STC Family
March 16, 2016
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family as you struggle through the grief and sadness. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Atsuhiko Watanabe
March 16, 2016
Ward was a committed co-worker and family man, with an unassuming character that was always respectful of others. He was the last person to deserve this tragedy, and words cannot explain my sense of grief. Wishing with all my heart that Eli and Emma will have full and enjoyable lives.
Rest in peace, you will not be forgotten.
Ed Banta
March 16, 2016
To the Edwards family, I worked with Ward for only just the past 10 years but in that time he was able to impress upon me how kind of a person he was. I will miss Ward and his positive good nature immensely. While I am certain this time is difficult be sure that Ward is with God in heaven looking down on all of us.
Lynn and Jack Sparks
March 15, 2016
You are in our thoughts and prayers! May you feel the warm embrace of God's love, the support of family and friends, and the wonderful memories of a kind and gentle man. Extra hugs for Eli and Emma!
Jeff and Kathy Jones
March 15, 2016
Nancy, we are so saddened for the loss of Ward. I have such good memories of working with him, and I'm so glad to have known him. We will be in prayer for you and your kids.
William Koeppel
March 15, 2016
There are no words that can be said that have not already been conveyed above. I would like to share a Ward story. Back in High School... we would always get together in the Gaslight Cu Del Sac where the Edwards family lived. On this one particular fall day we saw Wardy taking off on one of his timed runs...he was always running against the clock... the rest of the Cul-De-Sac Gang... Randy, Jim and myself were working on a gas tank problem I had with my beater 66 Ford Thunderbird. So all of us non-mechanics borrowed tools, wood, coat hangers and duct tape to fix the problem... 20 minutes later...as good as new! We pile in the old Thunderbird and go flying down Cardinal drive (BIG Hill) and right as we pass Ward there is a terrible sound of crushing metal with parts streaming on the road right in front of Ward... My gas tank fell off :- / My friends (Also Wards friends) are on the floor laughing... Ward comes running up through 20 gallons of spilled gas holding all my rigged parts asking how he can be of assistance...am I OK! Can he help in anyway? That my friends sums up the kind, caring spirit of Ward Edwards. Our hearts are broken... but our memories of Ward will always warm our memories and souls.
The Cul De Sac Gang
Peggy and Xavier Allen-Barton
March 15, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers be with the family during this time. May God wrap you in His loving arms and give you peace. Ward was a great man and will be missed greatly by many. Scout Troop 557 will miss him greatly.
Matt Turner
March 15, 2016
John 14:1-4 Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. Ward has a place waiting for him in heaven. May your family find peace in this time.
Sam Hires
March 15, 2016
My deepest love to Ward's family.
Cody and Emily Surenkamp
March 15, 2016
My husband and I worked with Ward at SEP, and are immeasurably saddened by his loss. What a kindred spirit Ward was- his expertise, smile and kind words will be deeply missed. Our hearts go out to his family. May God grant you a peace that surpasses understanding in this difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Ray's Automotive Center
March 15, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
TT team
March 15, 2016
It was with deep sorrow that we heard the news of Ward's passing. Our heartfelt sympathy and condolences are with his family and all those he left behind.
Derek Ferguson
March 15, 2016
Ward has left a hole in my life that'll never be filled. He was selfless, and always made time to help you when needed. My heart goes out to the Edwards family, and you will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
With deep regards,
Derek and Morgan "Tyler" Ferguson
Norm Blizard
March 15, 2016
Susie and I are very sorry for the tragic and sudden loss of Ward, a friend and colleague of mine from the performance group. His contributions to Cummins are significant and he will be missed. We also regret the tragic circumstances that have affected so many lives of former friends and colleagues at Cummins HHP in Seymour Tech Center and tarnished such a beautiful facility. The strength of Cummins and its people will shine through this tragic episode.
Peter and Ashley Schmitt
March 15, 2016
I always enjoyed being around Ward and had a tremendous amount of respect for him, both as a person and as an engineer. He will be deeply missed. Your family is in our prayers.
John and Jan Receveur
March 15, 2016
We am deeply saddened by the loss of Ward. Our thoughts and prayers are poured out for him and his family.
CEP Employees
March 15, 2016
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family as you struggle through the grief and sadness. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kerry Kelly
March 14, 2016
Our hearts go out to the Edwards family. We are so sorry for this needless, tragic loss. We loved Ward! His shy but sometimes mischievous smile! His politeness and gentleman-ness! His concern for friends and fellow humans! His grit in winning races! His resemblance to Clark Kent!
Kelly, we are thinking of you especially. Let us know when you are back in town and we can get together to reminisce about your awesome big brother.
The world was better for Ward's existence, the loss will be immeasurable.
All of our love,
Kerry and the Kelly sisters
Mike Buhrow
March 14, 2016
My deepest condolences to all of Ward's family and friends. I had the pleasure of knowing Ward in high school. We competed against each other, but Ward was always so kind to me. He was someone I looked up to and always wanted to talk with before and after meets. He always had a kind word to say and gave me much needed advice and encouragement. A mentor and true gentleman even at an early age. He will always hold a special place in my heart as I am sure he has done for so many others. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jason and Delena Knoke
March 14, 2016
Though we do not know the Ward family, my husband and I are employed at STC. We are very sorry for your loss and have no words to express our sorrow. We keep Nancy and her children in our thoughts and prayers. May you find peace and comfort in your faith. God bless you.
Lisa Yerkes
March 14, 2016
I remember Ward as a quiet guy in high school and a great athlete. Wonderful family. May he rest in peace. Lisa Strasburg (Yerkes)
Cassandra Franz-Stutesman
March 14, 2016
I didn't know Ward very well but what I did know, was that he was a kind and caring person, if not a little reserved. He was a friend to anyone he met and was always willing to extend a hand of help or friendship. He will be missed in this world but heaven got a another good one. My thoughts and prayers will be with his family.
Gina Peabody
March 14, 2016
My heart is breaking for all of you . Ward was such a great guy . God Bless Ward and God Bless everyone who loved him . Gina ( Oddo ) Peabody class of '86
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