Ralph Vinson Ward

Ralph V. Ward, 93 of Catonsville, MD, formerly of Huntington, WV passed away Friday, May, 9, 2014 at the Seasons Hospice at North West Hospital, in Randallstown, MD. Funeral Services will be conducted at 1:00 PM Saturday, May 17, 2014 at the Reger Funeral Chapel by Rev. Tim Porter. Burial will follow in Woodmere Memorial Park, Huntington. Ralph was born December 28, 1920 in Huntington, WV a son of the late Stonewall Jackson and Cora Jane Walters Ward; he was also preceded in death by his wife Manda Jean Ward. His survivors include, two daughters and sons-in-law: Linda(James) Tony of Jessup, MD, Patty Brammell Johns (Dave) of San Antonio, Texas; grandchildren: Jonathan Tony, Bill (Giovanna) Tony, Andrea Tony, Joshua (Marion) Brammell, Abbey Brammell and Stefan Bishop. In addition he is survived by the following great-grandchildren: Justin and Christian Tony, Bella and Liam and Baby Brammell and Daisy and True Bishop and a host of friends. He was a retired machinist having worked for Owen-Illinois. After retiring, he continued to be a volunteer for the Huntington Onized Credit Union, holding various offices, including President and Treasurer. While in the military he served in E Company, 2nd Battalion, 302nd Regiment, 94th Infantry Division, European Theater during WWII. He was part of the Army of Occupation in Germany involved in four battles: Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. Ralph received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and the Good Conduct Medal. He held multiple offices in service organizations: member of the VFW Post 1064, American Legion Post 93 and the DAV Chapter 2. In addition he was a member of the honor guard for over twenty years. Ralph bowled for over thirty years becoming a member of the 300 club four times. Among his hobbies were music , he played the piano, banjo, guitar and harmonica; he was a student of the financial markets, and a gardener extraordinaire (his tomatoes and cucumbers were legendary). Ralph also traveled extensively and was well read (self-educated). He wanted to be remembered as a man who loved his wife of 68 years, Jean, his girls, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other family members. He was honored to serve his country. He was a student of history and proud of his family ancestry. Ralph was a model citizen of his country, West Virginia, Huntington and Westmoreland. A good neighbor to all, he was always ready to help anyone in need. His razor sharp wit and twinkling eyes will be missed by all who knew him. He was our Hero. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday May 16, 2014 at the Reger Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made to www.regerfh.com. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Huntington, City Mission. Military rites will be performed by American Legion Post 93 of Kenova and the Army Honor Guard of Kingwood, WV.