Ward Elliott

Ward was born on August 4, 1932 in Unionville, Indiana, one of eleven children born to Nelly and Ora Elliott. Ward worked steadily on his family's farm before and after school as a youth, which explains his extraordinary senses of drive, determination, and diligence. Much like his work ethic, his love of sports also began as a youth and continued throughout his lifetime.

After attending West Baden High School, he moved to Indianapolis and worked alongside several of his brothers at Indiana Gear Works. Ward was known by all to work multiple shifts many days per week. He worked at Indiana Gear Works for 39 years until his retirement at age 57 in 1989. It was in Indianapolis where he also met his cherished wife, Christine. Ward and Christine enjoyed a 65-year-long matrimony. They enjoyed the simplicity of life and spending countless time outside on the porch, tending the yard, or reading together.

After his young retirement, Ward became an avid golfer at Smock Golf Course, where he enjoyed leisurely games with good friends and family. During the last two years of his life, Ward and Christine were able to move to Lake Mary, Florida to be near some of their closest relatives, where quality time was continued to be spent together.

Ward’s heart and love will live on through his wife, Christine; brother (Gene); son, Jeff (Bridget); daughter, Lisa (Dave); grandsons, Andrew (Chandler) and D.J.; granddaughter, Christine (James); and his lifelong friends.

Flowers can be sent to the following: Brosmer-Kemple Funeral Home, 9640 West State Road 56, French Lick, IN 47432. (812) 936-9955

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ward Elliott’s honor to the West Baden Sprudel Scholarship, which donates money every Spring to the class Salutatorian for college attendance purposes. Please mail checks to the address below: West Baden Alumni Association, 6001 West County Rd. 10 South, French Lick, IN 47432, Attn: Jan Lindsey

The Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 2:30 PM at Ames Chapel Cemetery, 5368 US-150, Paoli, IN 47454.

When I am gone, release me,

Let me go I have so many things

To see and do. You mustn’t tie

Yourself to me with tears, be

Thankful for our beautiful years.

I gave you my love. You can only

Guess how much you gave me in

Happiness. I thank you for the love

Each of you have shown, but now

It’s time I traveled on alone.

So grieve a while for me, if grieve

You must, then let your grief be

Comforted by trust. It’s only for a

Time that we must part so bless the

Memories within your heart.

I won’t be far away, for life goes

On so if you need me, call me and

I will come. Though you can’t see

Or touch me I’ll be near and if

You listen with your heart, you’ll

Hear all my love around you soft

And clear.

And when you must come this way

Alone, I’ll greet you with a smile

And say, “Welcome home.”

“Ward was a great friend and I feel very blessed to have had such a friend. I also have had the enjoyable association with many of his family members. Our relationship started near the end of our grade school years and lasted all of these years, until now. I feel God is enjoying having him now.

Ward was an organizer. Ward was definitely a people’s person with a contagious laughter.” - Clarence E. Wineinger

“He has never been embarrassed or afraid to show love for his children. Because of him, I tell D.J. every day, “I love you.” - Lisa Garry (written in 1989)

“My dad, my father, my coach, and respected man to so many who knew him. Your character inspired me, your work ethic challenged me, and your integrity shaped to make me who I am today. I am forever grateful to you. Love, your #1 son.” – Jeff Elliott

“Papa— our smiling, laughing angel. At any given point in life, his sole concentration was on work & family. He was filled with only the good things— generosity, kindness, compassion, and an unassuming nature.” – Dr. Christine Bishop

“He did everything for others. He did nothing for himself. He was so proud of his children.” - Mary-Ann Storm

“Papa, thank you for loving me unconditionally and for living with such kindness, humility, and generosity. You taught me so much, and as hard as I could try, I don't think I could ever be as good as you. We love you so, so much down here and will miss you.” - D.J. Garry

“Papa, I cannot thank you enough for all of the fond memories of us. I wish you could be here to meet your first great-granddaughter. I will make sure to tell her all about you-- how great of a grandfather you really are. Thank you for everything, Papa. I will miss you so much.” - Andrew Elliott