Patrick John Ward, age 74, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family and close friends on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, Ind. Born January 6, 1947 in Grand Rapids, MI to the late Rolland Ward, Sr. and Pauline Grace (Kilts) Ladig. He graduated from South Side High School in 1965 and spent his 41 year career in automotive sales. He loved boating, watching sunsets and dancing with his soulmate Mariann. Pat loved his family and friends ferociously. He was a member of American Legion Post #409, Elks Lodge #1978, Moose Lodge #1933 and Eagles Lodge #3760. Survivors include his children, John C. (Erin) Hill of Vacaville, CA, Stephanie S. (Jason) Yearbury of Drury, New Zealand, Kristina W. (Dan) Dreisbach of Frankfort, KY; his eternal soulmate and life partner, Mariann Knotts and her children, Tami (Gary) Slattery of Hicksville, OH, and Lori Manley of Defiance, OH; sisters, Pam (Darrell) King of Waterloo, Ind. and Claudia (John) Ladig of Fort Wayne, Ind.; nine grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Pat was preceded in death by his daughter, Marcy Renee Ward; and stepfather, Raymond Ladig. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at American Legion Post #409, 14133 Leo Road in Leo, Ind. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society, American Legion Post #409 or Eagles Lodge #3760. Tell 'em Pat Ward sent you! Whoop! Whoop!!
