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Dennis Lynn Ward, 76, of Waterville and formerly of DeGraff, passed away peacefully at 6:31 a.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Story Point Waterville in Waterville, Ohio. He was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio on April 23, 1948, a son of the late Stewart Robert Ward and Doris Elizabeth (Headings) Ward.
On August 22, 1970, Dennis married Sherry (Grimes) Ward in Bellefontaine, Ohio and she survives, along with their two children, Stacey (Christopher) Beckner, and Steve (Erika) Ward; four grandchildren, Grant Beckner, Dalton Ward, Harlow Ward, and Finnley Ward; a sister, Deann Ward; two brothers, Michael (Sheila) Ward, and Mark (Teresa) Ward; a brother-in-law, Wilbur Detrick; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Kathy Ward, and sister-in-law, Dixie Detrick.
Following his service in Germany with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, Dennis returned home and established his own successful dairy farm. He was a hard worker and a jack of all trades. He served on the Riverside School Board from 1990 to 1998, the Ohio Hi-Point JVS Board, and was a member of the Wapakoneta Cattleman Board. Those who knew Dennis, knew that he never met a stranger, and he always had a funny story or joke to tell. Upon his retirement from dairy farming, he spent the winter months in Winter Haven, Florida and traveling with his wife and friends. Dennis found enjoyment in fishing, deer and mushroom hunting, golfing, and spending time with his family.
A private funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in West Liberty, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross Blood Services at https://www.redcross.org/donate/blood-services-donation.html or a charity of the donor’s choice.
DARING & SANFORD FUNERAL HOME, DEGRAFF is honored to serve the Ward family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.
DJS
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
210 W. Hayes St., De Graff, OH 43318
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