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Michael Ward Obituary

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Michael Volney Ward, 67, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children on March 3, 2013 in San Antonio, TX. He was born on November 15, 1945 in Victoria, Texas to Earl C. Ward and Margaret Paschich Ward. He graduated from St. Joseph's High School in 1963. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in 1967 from Texas A&M (College Station) and earned his Masters in Physics from George Washington University (Washington, D.C.) in 1970. Mike was a Licensed Professional Engineer and worked for Union Carbide/DOW for 27 years, retiring in 2005 from the position of Maintenance Superintendent. Mike also worked for BP Chemical (Toledo, Ohio) as a Quality Control Safety Inspector and retired from that position in 2012. Mike was a very devout Catholic. He was involved with the Church in many ways. He served as lector, Eucharistic Minister, CCD Instructor and faithfully took part in many church functions. Mike was a dedicated participant in the ACTS and Walk to Emmaus Retreats. He was honored to be a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Mike also loved his children and grandchildren and cherished spending time with them. His baking and cooking skills are legendary. Peepaw Bread, pies, homemade sausage and wine are only a few of his classics. He was an avid fisherman and loved the sport especially when he went with family. Mike loved music of many genres, he loved playing guitar, listening and singing with his children at the top of all lungs. Mike was a loving son, brother, husband, father and Peepaw. He is survived by his mother, Margaret Ward Graham; Rita Hooge Ward-his wife of 27 years; his five children Lisa Wiest, Scott Ward and wife Julie, Mikie Volney Ward II and fiancé Krista, Susie Brooks and husband Jake, Reagan McNeill and husband Thomas; four step-children Jude Fowler and wife Tammy, Jason Fowler and wife Vivian, Rhiana Green and husband Mark and Melissa Perez and husband Perry; 19 grandchildren; Siblings Jim Ward, Martha Kondret and husband Bernie, Tom Ward and wife Michele, Frances Nitschmann and husband Mike, and Earl Ward Jr. Michael was preceded in death by his father, Earl C. Ward. Services will be held in both San Antonio and Victoria, TX. A Rosary and Memorial Mass will be held Monday, March 11, 2013 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church located at 7893 Grissom Rd, San Antonio, TX 78251. The Rosary will begin at 7pm with the Mass to follow. Rev. Msgr. Patrick Cronin officiating. On Tuesday, March 12, 2013 Rev. Celestino Say will officiate a Rosary to be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, located at 212 E. Forrest St., Victoria, TX 77901 beginning at 7pm. On Wednesday, March 13, 2013, A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church at 10:30am with interment to follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery located at 1009 E. Mockingbird Lane, Victoria, TX, 77901. The family respectfully requests, in lieu of flowers, that memorial donations be made in Memory of Michael V. Ward to Catholic Charities www.ccaosa.org or Knights of Columbus Council 7983. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.sunsetnwfuneralhome.com


Published by San Antonio Express-News on Mar. 10, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Ward

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The years go by without you, but you are forever in our hearts. You are always with us in spirit at our lively family gatherings. Shine some of that Light down on all your family and may God bless each of them.

Irene Bland

Family

February 26, 2019

Rita,Here at PerrysCrossing,in Perrysburg.Would like to express our condolences to you and your family in the loss of your love one Mike.He was a wonderful man.
From all at PerrysCrossing.God Bless.Our prayers are with you and your family.

Ona Coons

March 24, 2013

My deepest sympathy. Mike will be missed. He was great to work with. I will keep you in my prayers

Carolyn Walton

March 20, 2013

Dear Rita and family, Allen and I are so sorry for the loss of your beloved Mike. He was a great man, wonderful friend, and was always willing to help.He had a great smile and and loved his family, friends and God very much. Know that he rests peacefully in Jesus' arms. All our love, frienship, and prayers, Louise & Allen Kincannon
Bordeaux Village Townhomes, Kenner, Louisiana

Louise & Allen Kincannon

March 18, 2013

Rita, I will miss Mike's smile. After morning mass he would come into the office at church and say Good Morning and have a Blessed Day! If we needed help in the office, with no matter what, he would not say NO He would say Yes and would say, what else needs to be done. God Bless your family always.
Love & Prayers, Lydia Soriano
Prince of Peace Staff

March 13, 2013

Jean McDade

March 12, 2013

Rita...I worked with Mike for several years at Seadrift. I found Mike to be straightforward and easy to work with. Mike loved his work and took pleasure in assisting young engineers providing leadership and coaching. God bless you and your family and know that Mike was an inspiration

Ivan Hartley

March 11, 2013

Rita, Mike was a co-worker and a friend to me. He set an example of how a person should conduct himself at work and away from work. May God shower his blessings upon you and your family.

Darrell Long

March 10, 2013

Another parishoner has left a void at Prince of Peace Church.

March 10, 2013

Mike you are missed. I know where you are that you have a smile on your face. Rita and you were a good for each other. Your time was cut short but I know you had a wonderful life. Put in a good word for the rest of us Mike. Rest in eternal peace with our Savior.

David Hooge

March 9, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I know the men of our Monday Faith Sharing Group (Perrysburg) join me in extending our thanks for the time Mike shared with us. His quiet wisdom is missed. We shall keep you all in our prayers.

Joe Klein

March 9, 2013

Our condolences Rita. Mike was a good man, a good engineer and a good friend. He will be missed.

Marshall & Mary Stockton

March 9, 2013

Rita & Family,
We all at St. Rose were saddenened to hear of Mike's death. I am truly grateful he was able to share his last few years with us. Many came to know and love the tall Texan transplant. My prayers are with all of you. We loved him and will miss him.
Janise Kaufman, Perrysburg, Ohio

March 8, 2013

Our deepest sympathy to the family. May our Lord Jesus Christ comfort you at this sorrowful time, but be joyous that he is with our Lord in heaven.

Arnold & Maria Treviño

March 8, 2013

The stars will shine a little brighter after receiving another of God's angels into His Kingdom. Mike had a very close relationship with the Lord and he touched many lives with his goodness and love. He was a very intellegent and gifted man.But he was very quiet,and unassuming in his ways. Mike came into our lives 27 years ago when he married our sister Rita. He became a "brother" and friend to our large clan.His little crooked smile and big heart will be missed by all of us. Well done, oh good and faithfull servant. We will meet again one day.

Irene & Charles Bland

March 8, 2013

I worked with Mike for many years @ UCC. Enjoyed it very much. We even played music a few times @ his home in Victoria. He was a good man and will be missed by all.

Wayne Johnson

March 8, 2013

Our deepest condolences go out to Rita and the rest of the Ward family. May you all have comfort in knowing that Mike is in the loving arms of our Lord and He will wipe away all of our tears when we're all together again. God's blessings to you. May you rest in peace Mike, and may the perpetual light shine upon you....

Michael & Arleen Smith

March 8, 2013

My deepest sympathy to you and your family, Mike was a very good mentor and was well liked. He will be deeply missed. My prayers go out to you and your family.

Cynthia Neptune

March 7, 2013

I only got to work with Mike for a short time. I did however, get to spend about 5 months as his neighbor when I first moved to Perrysburg when I started with BP. Mike will be missed, he was one of the kindest and more caring people I have had the opportunity to work with.

Stephanie Sedlak

March 7, 2013

So sorry for your loss. You all will be in our family's thoughts & prayers.

Rod Croan Family

March 7, 2013

Rita , it is very difficult to comprehend the sorrow & hurt you are experiencing now. We lost our parents and older brother a few years back and this was very hard for our family. But, as a spouse there is a unique bond that two people develop as they learn about each other & grow in their love and lives as one as God intended. I have read & seen some of the entries in this book & all express the kindness & love that Mike had for his fellow man/woman. Mike was always ready and trying to help as many people as he could in his daily life and keeping God's word in life. He obviously touched many people in his 67 years of life and in a very positive manner. Mike lived life and loved life. He definetely had a strong love of family and friends. Most importantly Mike had a deep love & relationship with God. He will truly be missed. Love, your brother, Joe Hooge

Joseph Hooge

March 7, 2013

Mike was not only a friend, but a mentor to my role at BP as well. He was one of the kindest and most helpful people I have ever had the priviledge to know.

Loren Hefner

March 7, 2013

Mike was well liked and respected by everyone that knew him. He will be missed. Our deepest sympathy to you and family.

BP Toledo Refinery Security

March 7, 2013

May God be with you at this time. Mike will be missed.

Tom Robinson

March 7, 2013

"I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love". Leo Buscaglia.
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathy for the tremendous loss of your Husband, Father and Grandfather. With thoughts of peace and courage for your family. Deidre Smith - BP Toledo Refinery.

Deidre Smith

March 7, 2013

Dearest Rita and family, I was so shocked to hear of Mike's untimely illness and even nore startling death. I will always love Mike for his willingness to talk with Ralph and enjoy life with him. Do you remember when he took Ralph fishing and he later caught his first redfish? What a thrill for Ralph! Just think they are together in Heaven, talking and fishing. We know he is in a better place, though you will never cease missing him. I love you.
Carole

Carole Hooge

March 6, 2013

Rita and family we would like to express our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one. Mike will be sorely missed by all his brother knights and the Prince of Peace community. He was truly a gentleman and a very humble and special man. We know he is in a better place. We will continue to pray for him and your family.

Ambrose and Terry Cordero

March 6, 2013

Mike will be sorely missed at the Early Bird scripture study on Saturday mornings. He always had something meaningful to say.

Glenn Darilek

March 6, 2013

Our deepest sympathy to you. We will keep you in our prayers.

Bob and Carol Warnimont

March 6, 2013

May God bring you comfort and peace.

Gus & Angie Ray

March 6, 2013

Our deepest sympathy to you Rita. May he rest in eternal peace and may perpetual light shine upon him.

Rita and Rick Young

March 6, 2013

So very sorry Rita. I will keep you and family in prayer. May God be with you and carry you through this difficult time and always. Love you.

Donna Marie Dirmeier - Somers

March 6, 2013

Dearest Rita, I was very saddened to hear of Mike's passing. Please accept our most heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Love, Martha, Jeff and Catherine Janosko

Martha Janosko

March 6, 2013

Mike and Rita, a wonderful couple. I admire you for your deep spirituality, work ethic, and service to others. You are my inspiration. Rita, to you and your family: may the memories you hold in your heart bring healing and peace to your soul. God bless you,

Diane Hider, St. Rose, Perrysburg.

March 6, 2013

His light will shine on forever in our memories and heart!

Rhonda McCutcheon

March 6, 2013

Rita, we were sad to hear the news about Mike. You and your family have been in our thought and prayers. May you feel the warmth and embrace of our Lord during this time. God Bless, Roel & Carmen

March 6, 2013

My deepest condolences for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord hold you in the palm of his hands and bless you with comfort and peace during this difficult time.

Karen McElwain

March 6, 2013

Rita, our sincere condolences for you and your family. Mike meant so much to me and Ricky. We just spoke about a month ago and Mike seemed so happy. I have so many wonderful memories of Mike. He was the best boss I ever had and a most sincere friend. Please call me some day. Love, Ricky and Debby Carter

Debby Carter

March 6, 2013

May Mike soul rest in peace. May the Angels of Justice take his soul to our Heavenly Father in eternity. May the perpetual light shine upon him and all the disposed souls. Dear Lord, I pray for Mike family, may you comfort his wife Rita and all of his children.Sir Knight Mike has passed to be with all the Sir Knights in Heaven guarding our Heavenly Father. AMEN Sir Knight Noverto

Noverto Gonzales

March 6, 2013

Our condolences to Rita and the kids. Mike will be missed in the morning masses. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. May he rest in peace.

Aura Escobedo and family

March 6, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May Mike Rest in Peace. May you and your family find Peace in Christ. Our condolences. Love Tim and Nell

Tim and Nell McCarthy

March 6, 2013

I wanted to express my sympathy to Mike's family in their time of sorrow. He was a truly remarkable man. His spirit and passion for life were inspiring.

Shawn

March 6, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family, Rita. The loving comfort of our Lord will carry you through this today, tomorrow and forever. You will meet Mike again one day and all will be well. Love, Sue and Bob

Sue Wood

March 6, 2013

Our condolences and prayers are with you and your family Rita. May Perpetual Light Shine upon him and may he rest in peace.

Gil & Diana Montemayor

March 5, 2013

Rita, A loved one is a treasure of the heart, and to lose a loved one is like losing a piece of yourself. But the love that you and Mike shared did not leave. Cling to the memories and let them help you through this difficult time. Be assured the Lord is with you and will help you. You and your family are in my prayers.

Jan Borths

March 5, 2013

Our prayers are with you and your family. We will miss Mike. Deepest sympathys..love jade and Robert

Jade and robert Risales

March 5, 2013

My prayers are with you and your family. May God continue to bless and keep you.



Millie Martin ( San Antonio, Tx)

March 5, 2013

We are holding you all close in our hearts. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all during this difficult time. We love you all!

Lynn Selby

March 5, 2013

My prayers are with you and your family. May God continue to bless and keep you.



Millie Martin ( San Antonio, Tx)

March 5, 2013

Sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you strength.

Cathy Phipps

March 5, 2013

So Sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you!

Debbie Jaroszewski

March 5, 2013

Rita, I'm am so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family in your hour of need. Know that you are loved and God will see you thru this. I know it's hard now but rely on your family and frends to help you get pass the heartache for as long as it takes. Mary Manista

Mary Manista

March 5, 2013

Mike was a very special man to me. He stood up for me when I was a brand new engineer, he was direct, firm, yet compassionate when I made a mistake, and he provided endless examples of integrity and treating others with respect. I am so sorry for your loss and will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

Kim Stone

March 5, 2013

I am so very sorry for your loss!! I remember Mike from when you lived down the street from us and I know he will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time!!!!!!

Sandy Swanson

March 5, 2013

I am proud to call Mike a friend. God graced him with all the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Mike always used these gifts to influence all around him to better themselves and grow closer to God. He had an unusual combination of spiritual intelligence and spiritual action. I will miss sparring with him.

Rita and family my heart goes out to you in this time of trial. Please take comfort in knowing that Mike is with the God that he loved and served.

Louis Bernal

March 5, 2013

I'm so sad that Mike isn't with us anymore. He was a gentle soul and will be greatly missed. I imagine him in Heaven with a rod and reel on a quiet lake having a nice, reflective time.

Barbara Hooge

March 5, 2013

Sadly, I must say that I had not seen Mike in many years. He was my children's godfather (and Donna, their godmother). Rest in peace, Michael Volney Ward. God Bless your family.

Kathy Stine Barnette

March 5, 2013

I'm so sorry for your loss. Mike was a wonderful man. I was at Julie and Scotty's house many times when he was there, and I always enjoyed seeing him. He always had a smile on his face. I will keep your family in my prayers during this difficult time.

Melissa Smith

March 5, 2013

"Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever." (Psalm 112:1-3) Enjoy your riches in heaven, Mike. Your integrity and passion will be remembered forever by your colleagues at the BP Toledo Refinery.

Nick Sancraint

March 5, 2013

"The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge" - B.Russell

Mike lived a good life and I was blessed to know him.

Susan Kolbush

March 5, 2013

I was very saddened by the news and I wanted to express my sympathy to Mr. Wards family in this very difficult time! I feel blessed that i was able to meet with him on numerous occasions! You are all in my thoughts and prayers!! Love to all!!

Brian McElroy

March 5, 2013

My thoughts and prayers to all of the family.

Terry Harris Edwards

March 5, 2013

Rita and family,
Please know all your Perrysburg St. Rose friends and fellow parishioners share in your sorrow with Mike's passing. He was an inspiration and a valued mentor and contributor to the Adult Faith Formation committee and so many groups and ministries. We remember the cheerful work both of you gave to the Soup and Bread events, and Mike's outstanding coordination of the 40 Hours Devotions in November. You, your family and Mike are in our prayers, and we will not forget his life so well lived. God Bless You.

Bill Hupp

March 5, 2013

We took a trip with a bunch of the family to Ruidoso, which included Mike and Rida. We have a great time with everyone and I'll remember him on the back deck talking about one of his favorite guitarist, Mark Knopfler.

Tom Kondret

March 5, 2013

"There is no remedy for the sorrow of losing someone we love, nor should there be. Sorrow is not an illness or an affliction. It is the only response possible to the death of a loved one, and an affirmation of just how much we value life itself, for all its wonder and thrill and beauty and satisfaction." (Tolstoy) May your sad memories be overcome by the happy memories and hope of life to come. Praying for peace & comfort for you & your family.

Brenda Bleier

March 5, 2013

Susie, I remember when you guys came to visit at Blackjack, Mike would always get you littllr guys up and off to Mass you
went Sunday morning.. He was a very devoted father.. He will be missed.. My heart breaks you all...

Aunt Martha Harris

March 5, 2013

Dear Rita & Family,
Learning of Mike's passing has certainly come as very sad news. Even in this very hard time, I can't think of Mike without it bringing a smile to my face, as he was always so pleasant to be around. Many men at St. Rose Parish in Perrysburg, Ohio came to first know Mike through his involvement with the Holy Name Society. No doubt this was only one of many organizations that he actively belonged to; and as a result he touched the lives of many with his very active approach and involvement. I am so glad to have known him.
Thank you both for sharing your lives with us here in Perrysburg. Prayers abound for you all….

Ernie Marsteller

March 5, 2013

sorry to hear of mikes passing. God is with you and your family.

Mickey and Geno

Mickey & Geno Vicencio

March 5, 2013

Mike was the consumate professional, and a true representative of southern gentry. He always had time for a discussion that would challenge your views and force you to think about all of the different aspects of an issue and come to the right decision with respect to process safety and design. I had numerous discussions about issues with Mike and always came out the better for those talks.

God be with you in this difficult time.

Allen Ellett

March 5, 2013

Rita--- please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband. I pray for God's comfort for you and your family. God bless you and give you His peace. love from Vicki Gillespie (BSF)

March 5, 2013

Rita and family,
My heart goes out to you on your great loss. You are all in my prayers. God's blessings to all!!

Rayna Sue Irwin

March 5, 2013

Mike Ward was a brilliant professional, an outstanding human being and a devoted servant of God. It was a privilege to know this true Southern gentleman. May the Lord hold Rita and all of Mike's family close in comfort.

Helene Szczerba

March 5, 2013

Rita, you and your family are in our thoughts at this difficult time.

Molly and Bob Brick

March 5, 2013

March 5, 2013

Mike took me under his wing when I first joined the PSM department in 2009. He taught me a lot and always challenged my perspective on issues. Sometimes, I can still hear him giving me advise. I wanted to tell his family that I am very sorry for your loss - Mike was a great person who was always willing to share his experience and wisdom.

Joan Anderson

March 5, 2013

In my brief working experience with Mike, I quickly realized what a true professional he was and what a wealth of knowledge and experience he brought to this company. My warmest condolences to the Ward Family.

Brent Schacht

March 5, 2013

I wanted to express my sympathy to Mike's family. Sorry to hear of his passing,worked with him at BP-Husky refinery.
Cherie Szollosi

Cherie Szollosi

March 5, 2013

I worked with Mike for a little over a year and in that short time he shared what felt like a lifetime of experience and knowledge. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.

Michael Chambers

March 5, 2013

I got to know Mike while working with him on Toledo's last major audit at the BP Refinery. I can - without a doubt - say he was one of the most knowledgeable folks I knew. Mike was a true gentleman and actually made work enjoyable. My heart goes out to his family. Mike and his warm laugh will be greatly missed.

Jen Towsley

March 5, 2013

Mike
Was a fine man who loved God and his craft. I will miss him. Gaurd the gates well great Knight

Chris Herman

Chris Herman

March 5, 2013

I am very saddened by this news. I wish to extend my sympathy to his family. Mike brought out the best in people. He always had a smile on his face. He was a true Christian who believed in giving more than taking. He loved talking about his family and his experiences in life. God bless him.
Mike Reymann
USW HSE REP
BP TOLEDO REFINERY

March 5, 2013

I wanted to send my sympathies to Mike's family in this difficult time. I feel that Mike is in a much better place looking for us, as he kept us safe when he was in Toledo. It was an honor to work with someone with such integrity and passion as Mike had. He will be missed, but not forgotten.

Jorge Marzari

March 4, 2013

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17
Mike gave me a much better edge.

Tom Brungard, Perrysburg, Ohio - BP

March 4, 2013

I wanted to express my sympathy to the family. I very much enjoyed working with Mike at the BP refinery. Mike was a true professional and a person with great integrity. Mike always had time to talk and listen. He was willing to help out with a challenge or a problem. Best part about Mike was his easy smile and kind demeanor. I will miss knowing that Mike is not around to spread his kindness and help to others but certainly his memory will not be forgotten. He is certainly in good hands.

Dennis (Toledo, OH)

March 4, 2013

I worked with Mike in Toledo and consider him a good friend and a very spiritual person. I'm certain that God has him in His arms and Mike is experiencing his rewards in Heaven. Please know that Mike and his family are in my Prayers.

Chris Velker

March 4, 2013

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