Larry "Ellz" Ward Jr.

Larry Ward Jr. was born on May 31, 1994, in Oak Park, IL to the parents of Larry Ward Sr. and Rebakah Ward (Warren). Larry Ward Jr. was always quite the character as a young child and always seemed to be ahead of his time. Larry lifted his head 3 days after he was born. He rolled over 2 weeks after he was born and cried often as if he was reincarnated to a younger body and frustrated that he was starting over. Larry has always seemed wise beyond his years and had the knowledge of a much older person. There was always much fun and laughter with him around and fun to be had as he spent much time with his siblings.

As a child, Larry enjoyed dancing and singing in front of the TV and was quite the entertainer while making us all laugh. If I had to say which subject or topic was amongst his favorite, I would have to say Science. Larry’s mind always wondered about scientific things that no one else was thinking about. I recall a time the 5 of us were riding down the street in the family car and it had begun to rain where we were. However, when we drove across the street it was not raining. I asked a question without directing the question to anyone and said, “How is it that it can be raining here, but not over there?” I did not expect a response from the 8-year-old in the back seat to begin explaining how there were several cloud types and the ones responsible for moisture and rain are the Stratus Clouds and when they get too full, it rains and how Stratus Clouds can be in one area and not another. Larry enjoyed studying rocks, minerals, and many other aspects of science. What he wanted to pursue when he grew up, was a career in Nuclear Engineering. This was in part who Larry was.

Larry was born again in 2005 at The Secret Place Church, where soon after he was baptized and served several years in ministry. Larry served in the Nursery, Children’s Church, Media, Teen Ministry, and as a Pastoral Assistant. Larry has always taken his faith seriously. Having successfully completed trainings in Firm Foundation, Leadership Development, and Ministry Development. No matter where Larry went, he would tell anyone and everyone who would listen about Jesus. Larry prayed with many, served alongside many, taught many, and led many to Jesus until the end of his days. Larry was biblically deep. Deeper than most and could hold the longest, most intellectual conversations about the Bible. Larry studied the word even outside of the church. Larry was into Trey Smith, Kim Clement, and learned many profound things at a spiritual level that he shared with us all. This was in part who Larry was.

Larry was an awesome Son and Brother. Blessed to have 2 dads, Larry enjoyed helping around the house, road trips with the family, boating and fishing, bowling, learning to cook, freestyle rapping, video gaming and enjoyed making us all laugh with his great sense of humor. He loved to have a good time. He did everything that was asked of him by his parents. As a brother, he gave his time, his love, his money, his wisdom, and his sweet spirit. Larry was a joy to be around, and everyone loved him. This was in part who Larry was.

Larry went on to graduate High School in 2012 and decided to pursue a career in the United States Navy as Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handler) Airman Apprentice. Seaman Ward was based in San Diego, California on Coronado Island. He made many friends and continued sharing about the goodness of the Lord with anyone that would listen. This was in part who Larry was.

Larry had a kind and loving spirit. There is no one he would not try to help no matter their situation. Larry has encouraged and supported many friends during tough times. Larry answered late night calls to minister and pray for others. Larry gave you whatever money he had, even if it was his last. Larry has provided shelter to many and shared the clothes off his back. Larry has stayed with those who were homeless out of a hotel and paid for it and did not leave to return to his own place until he knew that they were good. Larry has fed many and even saved a life. Literally saved someone’s life that had recently been shot. This was in part who Larry was.

Larry was pure and honest. His smile was adored and his laugh infectious. He was loved by all who knew him and admired by those who wanted to know him. What a good man, son, brother, and friend Larry was and may we forever remember his smile. That is who Larry was.

Larry Ward Jr. will be cherished by Larry Ward Sr. (Father), Rebakah Warren (Mother), Timothy J. Warren Sr. (2nd Father), Jacques Gerald Blair (Brother), Whitney Rebakah Ward (Sister), Timothy J. Warren Jr. (Brother), Jonathan Deshaun Warren (Brother), Matthew Jones (Grandfather), Bernadine Love (Grandmother) and a host of Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and many many Friends (400).