Earnel Ward

EARNEL WARD | 1925-2015 Earnel Harold Ward, 89, of Peebles passed away at 1 p.m., Sunday, March 15, 2015, at the Adams County Manor. Earnel Ward, beloved husband, father and Papa, passed away just six days before his ninetieth birthday on a beautiful Sunday afternoon - his favorite kind of day. A lifelong resident of Southern Ohio and the first-born son of the late Barry and Minnie (King) Ward, Earnel left high school early to serve his country as a communications officer in World War II, completing tours of duty in Italy. Shortly after returning home, he married Stella Thompson, and they set forth on a journey that spanned 69 years of loving commitment to one another, their family and an everlasting faith in God. Earnel pursued his passion for masonry and home construction, working alongside his youngest son, extended family members and friends as he built E.H. Ward & Son Construction. His earliest experiences in his craft, laying block and pouring concrete, remained his favorite aspects of home building throughout his career. In the evening, he enjoyed tending a small hobby farm where he raised limousine cattle, and each weekend he, accompanied by his family, faithfully attended services at Union Hill Church, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and Trustee for more than two decades. Earnel embraced his Christian convictions and thrived on hard work, leaving behind a legacy of faith, honor, determination and love. It is his family's privilege to celebrate his life - a life very well lived - on the occasion of his passing. Earnel is survived by his loving wife, Stella, and their three children, Connie (Edward) Lykins, Alan (Sandy) and Lonnie (Diane) Ward all of Peebles as well as his seven grandchildren, Elizabeth (Ummad) Lykins-Aslam, Rebecca (Garth) Gould, Jason, Heather, and Meredith Ward, Miranda (Jake) Rhonemus, and Noah Ward of Peebles; and, his four great-grandchildren, Luke Strigotte, Stella and Granger Rhonemus, and Finn Gould. He is also survived by two brothers, Harley (Sandy) and Jim (Marlene) Ward, and three sisters, Kay Sanno, Betty (Paul) Wilson and Marie (Frank) Blankenship. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Bobby, Edwin, and David, and sisters, Nora Eagle, Leona Setty, and Coleen Ward. Visitation has been scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 19, 2015, at Union Hill Church, 1954 Union Hill Rd., Peebles; Earnel's long time pastor and friend Phil Fulton will officiate. Funeral services are scheduled for the following day at 1 p.m., at Union Hill Church. Burial will follow in Locust Grove Cemetery with military graveside services given by the Adams County Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers may be made to Union Hill Missionary Fund. Thursday, March 19, 2015 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Friday, March 20, 2015 1:00 PM

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Earnel Ward

March 21, 1925 - March 15, 2015