Richard Eugene Ward

Richard Eugene Ward, age 93, of Imperial Beach, California, peacefully passed away in his sleep on July 6, 2025, at home in Imperial Beach, California. Richard was born on January 7, 1932, in Goshen, Indiana.

He graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1949. He received his Bachelor Degree in Theology from God’s Bible School in 1961, graduating with honors.

He met and married Emily B. Hunter on November 1, 1952.

Richard retired from the U.S. Air Force in July 1979, having attained the rank of Master Sergeant. He also previously served in the U. S. Navy. He was an Air Traffic Controller in both the Navy and the Air Force.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John L. Ward, Sr. and Vada M. Martindale, brother and sister-in-law John L. Ward, Jr. and Marjorie Ward, sister Wanda Bergeron, wife Emily B. Ward and grandson Dennis A. Ferguson.

He is survived by Kathy Flanagan (the love of his life for the past 24 years), daughters Mary Rash and Lois M. (David) Anglea, grandchildren Michael (Jamie) Lenig, Debra (Mark) Webb, Jason Rash, Traci Tolliver, and April Ferguson, 13 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by Kathy’s sons/daughters Gary (Patty) Flanagan, Debbie (Bob) Brown, Jim (Jen) Flanagan, Nancy (Bryan) Greene, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.