Harold Gene Ward

Harold was born May 24th, 1927 in Portageville, Missouri to parents Jesse and Amelia Ward. He was welcomed by his three older sisters; Virginia, Florene, and Corine and would soon become an older brother to brothers Odell and James. Harold’s siblings were very special to him, and he cherished their relationships deeply.

As a young man, Harold worked for the Portageville Post Office before joining the United States Army and serving as a Clerk Typist in Japan. He also worked at Chrysler Corporation for most of his life until retirement. During his time in the Army Harold met a beautiful young woman named Nilva Jean, lovingly known as Jean, who he knew immediately he wanted to marry. On November 25, 1951 the two became one in the eyes of the Lord and vowed to love, cherish, and care for one another until death parted them. Those vows were fulfilled faithfully for 71 incredible years. Their union was an unwavering example to their family and friends of what the Lord intended marriage to be. They were each other’s rock, safe place, and eternal love. What a beautiful reunion it must have been after three long years apart.

Harold and Jean welcomed and raised three daughters during their life together. Marla Denise (10/16/1954), Lisa Gaye (6/22/1957) and Kimberly Ann (3/11/1962). When asked to reflect on their childhood with Harold as their dad, his daughters described it as “their safe place” and “the home that all of their friends wanted to visit.” Harold raised his children with a fervent love of Jesus, always pointing them to Him in times of joy and times of despair. His unshakable faith in His promises molded his children into faithful servants of Christ.

In addition to being a proud father, he was also a doting Papaw to 6 grandchildren. Sarah, Tracey, and Melissa (Marla & Keith), Taylor (Lisa & Jeff), and Brent and Katelyn (Kim & Wally). Harold had a fierce love for each of his grandchildren; a love that was felt over many miles, states, and gaps of time between visits. No matter the path a grandchild took, Harold was always proud.

From Harold’s 6 grandchildren, came 15 great grandchildren, who were the apples of his eye. Seth, Caleb, and Isaac Sausville (Sarah & Paul), Abigail and Carissa Davis (Tracey & Ben), Evie Mae Gann (Melissa & John), Easton, Isaiah, and Carter Kulik (Brent & Amanda) Violet, Olive, and Noelle Reynolds (Taylor & Josh), and Isabella, Noah, and Coast Roskelly (Katelyn & Nick). Each time a new great grandchild was born, Harold’s heart and pride in his family grew exponentially. He loved each one with a fire only he could possess.

Harold is survived by his Brother James (Benita) Ward, Children Marla Denise Habermas (Keith), Lisa Gaye Ellis (Jeff), and Kimberly Ann Kulik (Wally). His grandchildren Sarah Sausville (Paul), Tracey Davis (Ben), Melissa Gann (John), Brent Kulik (Amanda), Taylor Reynolds (Josh) and Katelyn Kulik (Nick Roskelly). His great grandchildren Seth, Caleb and Isaac Sausville, Abigail and Carissa Davis, Evie Mae Gann, Easton, Isaiah, and Carter Kulik, Violet, Olive, and Noelle Reynolds, and Isabella, Noah, and Coast Roskelly. Harold is also survived by nieces and countless friends. He is preceded in death by his father and mother Jesse and Amelia, sisters Virginia, Florine, Corine and brother Odell. He is also preceded in death by countless friends and distant family members, all of whom were loved by him.

Visitation will be held at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 32000 Schoenherr Rd, Warren, MI 48088, on Monday, March 9th from 9:30 am until time of Funeral Service at 11:00 am. Harold will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Twp. Memorial donations to Cornerstone Baptist Church, 17017 East 12 Mile Rd, Roseville, MI 48066 are appreciated.