Rev. Ward

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News Death Notice

WARD, Rev. Michael Raymond 58, associate pastor of East Cleveland Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee, passed from pain and suffering in this earthly life to eternal peace in the presence of his Lord on Thursday, November 7, 2013, in a Chattanooga hospital. He was born in Loveland, Ohio, on July 18, 1955, the son of Thomas G. Ward, Sr., and Coletta Margaret (Lagemann) Ward. His parents preceded him in death, along with two uncles and his first child. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Lisa Colette (Meadors) Ward of Cleveland, Tennessee, a son, Christopher Lee Ward, a daughter, Tonya Ann Venable, a grandson, Mason Ward, a sister, Margaret Ward, a brother, Thomas Ward, Jr., and his wife, Janice, and two aunts, all of Cincinnati, Ohio. He is also survived by three "in-laws" and their families: Lynette (Meadors) DeVine, of Middletown, Ohio, Travis Meadors and his wife, Kimberly, of Hamilton, Ohio, Tracy (Meadors) Steelman and her husband, Michael, of Fairfield, Ohio, and many nieces, nephews, and friends, all of whom he dearly loved. He was an avid golfer who also enjoyed racquetball, softball, bowling, cutthroat marathon games of Monopoly and Scrabble, reading good books, and cooking his famous "Pastor Mike's ham." Above all, he cherished time spent with family and friends. "Pastor Mike," as he was known by his church family, was a truly humble man whose passionate pursuit of God was the hallmark of his life. His chief desire-whether preaching, teaching, singing on the praise team, doing "practical" ministry, or discussing the Bible to all hours-was to be a faithful "Friend of God," reconciling men and women to God throughout nearly 40 years of ministry. Missing him, but resting in the blessed hope of the resurrection of the saints, his family received friends at Jim Rush Chapel on North Ocoee Street in Cleveland, Tennessee, on Saturday, November 9, 2013, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. A celebration of his life will take place at East Cleveland Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee, on Sunday, November 10, 2013, at 2:00 pm, with Dr. John A. Lombard, Jr., pastor, officiating. Contributions in his memory may be made to the East Cleveland Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee) or to the Rivers of Life Church of God (Hamilton, Ohio). Lisa, Chris, Tonya, and their family extend special thanks to the pastors and members of East Cleveland Church of God, the Rivers of Life Church of God, Waterville Baptist Church (Cleveland, Tennessee), and so many others for their prayerful support throughout Pastor Mike's lengthy illness. Special thanks are also extended to the Wards' care and prayer team members at East Cleveland: Dr. Gerald "Jerry" and Phyllis Daffe, and Dr. Ayodeji and Grace Adewuya. We encourage you to share your memories and or condolences with the family by going to www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com