Merl Eugene “Gene” Ward, 75, of Newfane, NY, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 27, 2010 at 11:25 p.m. after a lengthy illness.
Born Sept. 20, 1934 in Pike Township, Clearfield County, he was the son of Robert and Florence (Price) Ward. He was a graduate of Curwensville High School and attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He was a United States Marine Corps veteran, achieving the rank of sergeant, serving from 1954 to 1961, serving in South Carolina, Africa, and The Mediterranean.
He retired from Von Dungen Fabricating in Lockport, NY, where he was plant manager with over 30 years of service. He also operated Ward’s Steak House in Curwensville from 1957 -1959. He was a 32nd Degree Mason with the Charlottesville, NY Lodge # 73, where he was a past master and also a member of the Shriners. He was a member of the Sanborn, NY American Legion Post 1451, and the Wilson Conservation Club. Gene was a licensed pilot and enjoyed fishing, especially in Kapuscasing, Ontario, Canada and Cape Hatteras, NC
He is survived by his wife and longtime friend Lida Rosh, whom he married in March of 2010. He is also survived by his sons Lon E. Ward and his wife Margie and Shawn K. Ward and his wife Laurie all of Morrisdale, PA, and a daughter-in-law Brenda Ward of Hawk Run. Also surviving is a sister Mildred “Dodie” Spencer of Hepburnia and in-laws Margaret Ward of Monroeville and Kathy Rosh, Jerry and Patty Rosh, Guy and Barb Rosh all of Lockport, NY, Terri and JD Beeman, and Gail and Bob Willis of Ransomville, NY.
In addition there are 6 grandsons Dayton, Theron, Kristian, Seth, Jason, and Thomas Ward along with 3 granddaughters Samantha, Kimberly, and Allison Ward. Surviving are nieces and nephews Bobbie Spencer of Curwensville, Alan and Lori Spencer of Hepburnia, Linda Ward of Atlanta, GA, Dennis and Kathy Ward and Richard Ward of Murrysville, Stephen and Liz Ward of Herndon, VA, and Timothy and Connie Ward of Ashburn, VA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Brian Ward in 2006, brothers Harold G. and Robert W., and half sisters Marie Douglas and Edna Mae McGarry.
Mr. Ward has donated his body to science at the University of Buffalo, NY, and has requested there be no services.
Donations in Gene’s name may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children.