RALPH ALFRED WARD

Ralph A. Ward, age 89 of Lodi, passed away on Thursday, June 23, 2016 under the care of Select Specialty Hospital in Akron with his family by his side. Ralph was born on August 30, 1926 in Cleveland, Ohio to Benjamin and Margaret (nee Greene) Ward. He was a graduate of John Marshall High School in Cleveland.

Ralph and Barbara (nee Wetzel) were married in April of 1955 and had one daughter, Roberta “Bobbie” (Ward) Coalter. Ralph served proudly in the United States Army during WW II where he received an honorable discharge. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and an avid Republican. Ralph began his career in retail sporting goods and later bought out the business adding custom trophies, plaques and awards before retiring in 2001. He was an avid golfer and bowler, but spent much of his free time reading, cooking and writing satire. He was published in 2012 by the Horsemen’s Corral Magazine.

“Uncle Ralph” was a fantastic husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He is survived by his wife of 61 years; his daughter; and granddaughter, Kelsie; brother, Robert M. Ward; his favorite son-in-law, Joe Coalter; niece, Michelle (Peter) Baron; grand-nephew, Geoffrey (Julie) Baron and their children, Avery and McKenzize; grand-niece, Courtney Baron; and his dog, Beagle Bailey. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law Richard and Edythe Wetzel; sister-in-law and lifelong friend, Clarisse Ward and his brother-in-law Douglas Wetzel.

Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at 12 Noon at Carlson Funeral Homes & Cremations Services, 3477 Medina Road (Rt. 18 and River Styx Rds.) Medina, Ohio 44256. Pastor Joe Coalter officiating. Inurnment to follow in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery Rittman, 10175 Rawiga Rd, Seville, Ohio 44273. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to; Save The Ohio Cowboy Church, c/o STOC Ministry, LLC, PO Box 32, Lodi, OH 44254.