Larry Ward

Larry L."Pete" Ward, 71, of Mansfield, died Thursday, July 18, 2013 at MedCentral Mansfield after a brief courageous battle with cancer. Born July 28, 1941 in Mansfield, he was the son of Forrest R. and Helen V. (Cosgrove) Ward. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Larry retired from Crane Plumbing. He was a member of VFW #3494 and attended Shelby Church of God. A devoted family man, he enjoyed camping, fishing, and most of all spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Paula (Sammons) Ward; son, Jeff Ward of Mansfield; daughters, Amy (Steve) Ackerman of Shelby and Holly Barler of Mansfield; grandchildren, Derek Ward, Jerica Rodriquez, Cara Ward, Courtney Batdorf, Devin Batdorf, Dylan Batdorf, Kennedy Barler, Haley Weisman, and Emily Ackerman; great grandson, Mason Batdorf; brothers and sisters, Donald (Goldie) Ward, Shirley Crider, Barbara Franco, Raymond Ward, Karen (Jack) Swanigan, and Brenda (Paul) Allen; numerous nieces and nephews; and many special friends. Along with his parents, Forrest and Helen Ward, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Melissa Ward; brothers and sister, Doris Snyder, Richard Ward, William Ward, Gerald Ward, James Ward, and Thomas Ward; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul and Imogene Sammons.

Friends may call Sunday, July 21, 2013 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at the Diamond St. Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 22, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home conducted by Pastor Rick Lewis, Pastor Paul Allen, and Rev. Steve Ackerman. Friends may also call one hour prior to the service from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Military graveside services conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Squad will follow in Mansfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.