Roger Gene Ward

1936 - 2022

URBANA - Roger Gene Ward, 86, of Urbana passed away on Sept. 10, 2022 in his residence.

He was born June 12, 1936 in Springfield, Ohio the son of the late Frederick Paul and Ethel (Clark) Ward. Gene was a graduate of Springfield High School. Gene attended New Beginnings United Methodist Church. He was a previous member of the Champaign County Home Builders.

Gene was a hard-working and driven person who had a lot of energy. After a long day of work, he and his father would go fishing at night. As a young man, he became a partner in Ward Excavating along with his father. In 1986 his son, Bo, joined the business and became a 3rd generation partner.

In Champaign County, Gene and his father, Paul Ward, bought some land and then built Ward Manor off Middle Urbana Road. They did much of the work themselves, building houses for family, and later they built houses for others.

Gene is survived by his wife, Janet Ward; children, Lisa (John) Reagan, Roger "Bo" (Rachelle "Shelly") Ward, Cecilia Adam; grandchildren, William (Melinda) Kennedy, Britney Coberly, Carrie & Cassy Ward, Annabelle Reagan and Joseph & Nicholas Ward; 4 great-grandchildren; siblings, James (Shelia) Ward and Bonnie (Joe) Fansler as well as many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; children, Peggy Stamper and Linda Flanagan as well as siblings, Sandy Smith and Carolyn Trimble.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 11 a.m- noon on Monday Sept. 19, 2022 in the New Beginnings United Methodist Church, 5065 Old Mechanicsburg Road, Springfield, Ohio 45502. Funeral service will follow at noon with Pastor Mary Beth Cheeseman and Pastor Jonathan Morris officiating.

Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery, Urbana, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gene's memory to Smile Train, P.O. Box 96231, Washington, DC 20090-6231.

Services entrusted to VERNON FUNERAL HOME, Urbana, Ohio.