John E. Ward

Midlothian - Dr. John E. Ward of Midlothian, Virginia, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2024, surrounded by his family at the age of 84. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Elizabeth (Queisser) Ward, their four children: Joan Tracy Hanks (Christopher) of Pittsburgh, and James Todd Ward (Mary), Christopher Ward (Gita), and Patrick Ward (Stacy) all of Richmond, VA, eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

John was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, to the late Volney Ward and Frances (Thompson) Ward. In 1962, he received a B.A. degree in chemistry from Hanover College, Hanover, Indiana, and he graduated in 1966, with a D.D.S. degree from Indiana University School of Dentistry. He was a proud veteran who served two years in the Navy Dental Corps and later received a Masters in Prosthodontics from the University of Indiana.

In 1973, John joined the faculty of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Dentistry as a member of the Department of Prosthodontics where he taught for over 30 years. As a professor he was best known for his commitment to the individual student and their education in prosthodontics. Dr. Ward was certified by the American Board of Prosthodontics in 1976 and re-certified in 1998. He was a Diplomat of the American Board of Prosthodontics, a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists, and a member of the Virginia Section of the American College of Prosthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Virginia Dental Association and the Richmond Dental Society.

After his retirement from VCU in 2003, John began practicing part-time at Virginia Family Dentistry where he was able to continue his passion for prosthodontics for another 20 years while enjoying a more leisurely lifestyle with his family. It was in private practice where his depth of experience helped both patients and dental colleagues with complex diagnosis and treatment planning for fixed and/or removable prosthodontic treatment.

Not only was John a devoted doctor, husband, father, and grandfather, he was a fitness enthusiast who enjoyed a life of competitive tennis, biking, running, and swimming. But perhaps most special to him of all was the treasured time he spent annually with his family on the beaches of the Outer Banks, North Carolina.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 10th at 2:00 pm at Woody Funeral Home Huguenot Chapel, 1020 Huguenot Road, Midlothian, VA 23113. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project.