Robert M. "Bob" Ward Jr.

1937 - 2024

URBANA - Robert "Bob" M. Ward, Jr., of Urbana passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 21, 2024 in the Springfield Regional Medical Center.

Bob was born on Sept. 23, 1937 in Urbana, Ohio to the late Robert M. Sr. and Sara Louise (Hutchinson) Ward. Bob graduated from Westville High School, class of 1955. He was a lifelong member and served on various committees for the Westville United Methodist Church.

He spent his life as a farmer. Bob loved the Champaign County Fair and served as the president for several years. He enjoyed working at the Ohio State Fair in the swine barn. He was the Champaign Co. Rotary Farmer of the year in 1974 and was inducted into the Champaign Co. Pork Council Hall of Fame in 2005.

Bob was deeply rooted in his community, devoting his time to several local organizations such as the Farm Bureau Council, Caring Kitchen Board Member, Graham School Board, Champaign Co. Family YMCA original board member, McGrew Lodge K of P, Harmony Lodge #8 F. & A.M, Westville Grain Board, Ohio Hampshire Breeders Association, and the Champaign Co. Fair Board for over 50 years.

Bob loved sports, especially baseball and basketball. For nearly half a century, Bob and his family looked forward to the family fishing trips at Dog Lake in Ontario, Canada that became a fond tradition. Most of all he enjoyed his time with his children and grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his childhood sweetheart and loving wife of 68 years, Gloria (Stickley) Ward; daughter, Gina (Charlie) Andrews; sons, Bart (Karen) Ward, Brian (Leisha) Ward, Barry Ward; grandchildren, Adam (Kristin Boggs) Ward, Matthew Andrews, Alex Ward, David (Hallie) Andrews, Robbie (Melissa) Andrews, Elliott Ward, Sarah (Lane) Smith, Lindsey (Mike) Clark, Ethan (Allison) Ward, Lauren Ward, Luke Ward, Alexa (Payne) Vaunderwoude; great-grandchildren, Sloan and Colin Ward, Max and Gus Ward, Landry, Channing and Paxson Ward, Ella, Emerson and Eli Andrews, Tate, Rhett and Lee Andrews, Winnie, Charlotte, Ruth, Viggo Smith, Bristol, Oakley and Myles Clark, Henry Ward; sister, Barbara (John) Prince; special cousin, Ward Lutz; brother-in-law, Ron Discher; sister-in-law, Stella Kay (Willard) Rogan; as well as three nieces.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Sue Ellen Ward and Harriett Jill Discher.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 3-7 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024 in Westville United Methodist Church, 76 N. state Route 560, Urbana, Ohio.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Bob's life will be held at the church at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024 with Pastor Del Bonar and Pastor Pete Bellini officiating.

A graveside service will follow in Oak Dale Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to the VERNON FUNERAL HOME, Urbana, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to Westville United Methodist Church, PO Box 117, Westville, Ohio, 43083.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.