Mr. Kenneth E. "Ken" Ward

NEW HARTFORD - Mr. Kenneth E. “Ken” Ward, age 84, went home and was received by the Lord and his daughter Cheryl when he passed away on Friday, October 26, 2018 at MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Born in Utica on May 14, 1934, Kenneth was the son of the late Martin J. and Ruth S. (Stevener) Ward. He was raised and educated locally. A proud United States Marine veteran of the Korean War, he honorably served his country stateside. During his time in military service he met his future bride, Carolyn Clarke, and on January 23, 1953 they were married. They were beloved by each other and blessed with united minds and hearts for 65 years. They were wonderful parents and their children admired them for the couple they were. Ken worked as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic for the New York State Department of Transportation for 35 years, retiring young enough to enjoy the remaining years of his life. He had a smile on his face and words that were laced with a grand sense of humor. He listened well and found the good in others. If you were in his company, you would remember the personal interest he held in every conversation he had. His sensitivity, gentle nature, and compassionate heart touched people to the core. He was a good man who was truly helpful and trustworthy. Ken had a simple, three-prong approach to life: provide for his family, love his country, and live up to his God-given virtues. He was the original “Mr. Fix-It”. He could build it, change it, and create something exceptional by converting an image from his mind. He was a genuine jack-of-all-trades, and if something “tickled his fancy” he would get totally immersed and give it his all. Ken was a home body. When he did venture out on a vacation, he may not have been very excited about getting on the road, but once he reached his destination he would light up, especially on their trips to Kentucky and North Carolina to be with their children. They had a place to stay in both locations. Closer to home, Cedar Point State Park on the St. Lawrence River was his favorite destination for camping. Ken was a member of the American Legion Post #229 and a parishioner of the Maynard United Methodist Church. He served his church well by repairing, maintaining, and faithfully sustaining it. His heart was filled with love and he was never afraid to display it to his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and anyone he called his friend. His life epitomized the words often spoken, “It is one thing to be well known, …yet another to be well loved.” Kenneth is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his children and their spouses, Kenny and Michele (Lupia) Ward, Patricia A. Ward, and Suzan and Jim Moore. He held close to his heart the memory of his daughter, Cheryl L. Ward who passed away on January 28, 2006. He also leaves his grandchildren, Jenna Ward, Kathleen Ward; Sean P. Costello, Matthew P. Costello; Dustin and Brittany Moore, and Andrew and Tara Moore; and his great-grandchildren, Stetson Moore, Hendrix Moore, and McKenna Moore. He will also be remembered by his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, sister-in-law, Julianne “Julie” Ward; wonderful family friend, Geri Speich; his retired State Buddies that he met for coffee; and his niece Corinne Spann and her husband Gig; she was a wonderful niece who stayed by her aunt Carolyn’s side. He was predeceased by his brothers and sister-in-law, Douglas M. and Kitty Ward, Frank F. Ward, Sr., and Henry “Eddie” Ward; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Otis and Eloise Clarke; and brother-in-law, Donald Clarke. The family extends their gratitude to Dr. Joseph Booth, longtime physician who stood by Ken’s side as a mentor and medical professional; Dr. Clifford Soults for his devotion; as well as other attending physicians, and the entire staff at St. Elizabeth Medical Center. The team of professionals at this hospital were outstanding and above reproach. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in Ken’s memory may be made to the Maynard United Methodist Church, 9626 Maynard Drive, Marcy, NY 13403; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Ken’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at the Maynard United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Susan D. Holland, with Military honors conferred by the U.S. Marines. Interment will follow graveside at Carr Cemetery in Marcy.

Mr. Kenneth E. "Ken" Ward

May 14, 1934 - October 26, 2018