Frank Ward

Mr. Frank E. Ward, age 95, died at the University of VA Hospital on August 11, 2015. He was born in New York on January 15, 1920, the son of Evelyn and Peter Ward. As a 17 year old high school student, he was a member of the landing crew when the Hindenburg airship exploded overhead in LakeHurst, New Jersey. He was a graduate of Seton Hall Prep School in New Jersey and attended George Washington University where he captained the track team. He graduated from the University of Virginia where he also coached the track team, succeeding Archie Hahn. Frank did graduate work in history at both St. Louis University and Yale University. He served and was a decorated Infantry officer in World War II and Korea. Following World War II, he was associated with the Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Minor League affiliation. His teaching and coaching career began at St. Louis Country Day School, where he also coached football baseball for eight years. From 1954 until his retirement twenty four years later, he taught history, coached football and baseball as well as directed a summer camp. In a 1963 edition of Sports Illustrated, his undefeated and unscored on football teams were given mention upon going a combined 14-0. Following retirement in Lexington, VA., Frank was active in many community organizations becoming president of the Rockbridge County Cancer Society, President of the English Speaking Union, and donating time to his Fraternity, Kappa Alpha. He also became an active member of the Robert E. Lee Episcopal Church in Lexington. He further assisted Coach Mike Bozeman at V.M.I., helping with the track team there. Art and playwriting became important hobbies in later years while at the Colonnades in Charlottesville, VA. Four of his plays were reenacted there using the residents as actors and actresses. He also had four showings of his artwork. His beloved wife of 63 years, Jeanne, preceded him in death in 2005. He is survived by two daughters, Nancy Falk and Deborah Ward of Santa Barbara CA., three grandchildren, Will Bainbridge of Allendale N.J., Ben Falk of Santa Barbara , CA., and Nikki Barrows of Grayslake, IL. Frank is also survived by six great grandchildren. He will be buried alongside his wife, Jeanne, at St. Paul’s Church Cemetery in Ivy. Condolences may be offered at www.teaguefuneralhome.com