Michael Ward

1937 - 2023

Colonel Michael Ward, US Army, Retired



It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Colonel Michael Ward, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who passed away on the afternoon of July 9, 2023.



He was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, on April 15, 1937, and was the son of Agnes Hemovich Gizdavich and Dr. Needham Ward.



An engineer by training, he earned degrees from Oregon State University and Texas A&M University before beginning a distinguished military career with the US Army Corps of Engineers. During his career, he served in Vietnam and has received several medals and decorations, including The Legion of Merit and The Bronze Star Medal. He received senior leadership military education from the Army War College in Carlisle, PA. He retired from the United States Army in 1991.



He was very happily married for 43 years to the love of his life, Beatrice Kay Ward of New Castle, IN. They lived in the Washington DC area, Georgia, Germany, Hawaii, and Oregon, finally settling in New Castle to be closer to family. His family and friends will remember him as very caring, generous, highly intelligent, and having a great sense of humor.



He is survived by his children, Geralyn Ward, Michelle Kudrin, Joni Miller, Ruth DiPietro, and Eric Longworth; grandchildren, Isabella Kudrin, Jason Miller, Jessica Cox, Justin Miller, Emily Goerdt; great-grandchildren, Kordia Miller, Ashli Cox, Keagan Cox, Ellaina Miller, Vivian Miller, Rigden Miller, Rexton Miller, Layla Mae Goerdt and Sophie Lynne Goerdt; sister, Sue Lee, and brothers Mark Ward, Dr. Needham Ward, and Josh Gizdavich.



He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beatrice Kay Ward, his parents, and his sister, Ann Pew.



Funeral services will be held for family and close friends at Sproles Family Funeral Home on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at 2:00 pm with Father John Hall officiating. Friends may call from 1:00 pm until the time of service. Burial will follow at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors rendered.



You may send the family a personal condolence, and more information can be found at www.sprolesfamilycares.com.



Memorial contributions may be offered to the Harold R. Griffin Henry County Sheriff""'s Youth Camp, www.sprolesfamilycares.com/online-payments-and-donations/ and also to Rock Steady Boxing, https://rocksteadyboxing.org/donate/ for fighting back against Parkinson""'s.