Richard "Dick" Innis Ward

Richard "Dick" Innis Ward, age 86 passed away on June 21, 2012 in Lebanon, Ohio. He was born in Columbus, Ohio on January 4, 1926 to Orville and Harriet Ward. He graduated from Columbus North High School and enrolled at The Ohio State University. The following year he enlisted in the Army Air Corp and was a tail-gunner and radio operator on a B-17 plane. He sang professionally on WBNS radio on the Irwin Johnson Show and later as featured soloist for the Wayne King Orchestra. He returned to Columbus and started Ward's Hardware, a business he owned for over 17 years. He married his wife of 60 years Georgiana Howard, also of Columbus, in 1951. They have 3 children Dan (Joyce) of Columbus, Doug (Tammy) of Union and Harriet (Dave Talmage) of Lebanon. They have 7 grandchildren Heather (Thomas Bechtel), Kathryn (Jason Fawcett), David Talmage, Nick Talmage, Melissa, Jacob, and Joshua and 1 great-grandchild Megan Bechtel. In 1965 Dick was called to become a minister and graduated from The Ohio State University in 1965 and the Methodist Theological Seminary of Ohio in 1968. He served churches in Ironton (Sydenstricker, Faith, and Christ) Portsmouth (Franklin Ave), New Carlisle (First) and Columbus Ohio (Church of the Good Shepherd). Upon retirement from the West Ohio United Methodist Conference he became Visitation minister at North Broadway United Methodist Church. He served as choir director at McKendree UM Church prior to entering the ministry. Dick was active in the conference of the United Methodist Church and served as Conference Youth Chair and Conference Chair of Camps.

Dick was an engaging and loving person who practiced his beliefs. He was proud to have mentored over 15 people to become active in ministry. A man who never met a stranger, He believed that showing God's love in everyday life was the secret to long-term happiness. He will be missed by countless people who were transformed by his caring love. Friends may call from 2-4pm & 6-8pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at the SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL, 6699 N. High St, Worthington. A funeral service will be held at 2pm on Monday, June 25, 2012 at the McKendree United Methodist Church, 3330 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH 43224. Rev. Kathleen Herington and Dr. Ned DeWire officiating. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to Methodist Theological Seminary of Ohio online at http://www.mtso.edu/alumni-friends/giving-to-mtso/, Otterbein Home at http://www.gftpln.org/Home.do?orgId=1197, or McKendree United Methodist Church 3330 Cleveland Ave Columbus OH 43224.