Virgil Ward

Virgil Lee Ward, 78, of Mansfield, died Monday, October 6, 2008, at his residence. Born January 14, 1930, in Portsmouth, he was the son of Clarence and Anna Pennington Ward. He retired from General Motors and was a member of Peoples Baptist Church where he was a song leader and former deacon. He was inducted into the Mansfield Softball Hall of Fame, enjoyed watching old movies, was a fierce competitor and had a great love for life. He loved spending time with his family, church family and his beloved dog, Brutus.

Surviving are a son, Wayne Diane Ward of Mansfield; a daughter, Kathy Davis of Mansfield; grandchildren, Aaryn Bryan Hinklin, Leslie Ward, Tiffany George Goad, Amber Ward and Brian Davis all of Mansfield; great grandchildren, Jordon and Blayke Baker, Dylan Hinklin, Hayley, George and Alexis Goad, Cameron and Mackenzie Olar, Victoria and Leighann Brown all of Mansfield; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Jerry and Linda Craft of Pataskala, Bob and Betty Ross of Mansfield, Barb Hines of Trenton, GA, Robert and Juliette Craft of Portsmouth, Clay Craft of Minford, Clayton and Evelyn Craft of Portsmouth and Timothy Craft of Newark; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends, Gerald Nunn of Mansfield, Art Conklin of Mansfield and other church family. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Evangeline Arlene Craft Ward; brothers, Ralph and Alvie Ward; sisters, Les Ward, Helen Adkins and Vern Sparks; mother and father-in-law, James and Anna Craft; and brothers-in-law, Don Patricia Arnold and Don Hines.

Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, October 9, 2008, at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond Street, Mansfield, OH 44902. Services will be 1:30 p.m. Friday, October 10, 2008, at the funeral home conducted by Pastors James Spencer and Danny Ward. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery where full military services will be conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail.