Richard “Dick” Leo Ward, age 89, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on March 21, 2023. He was born on May 8, 1933, in Bayard, Maryland to Cecil and Glace Ward. After completing his junior year in high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. He served on active duty for a year and a half with the 5th Infantry Marine Battalion, and in the Marine Corps Reserves for a total of 10 years. He was stationed at Quantico Marine Base as an MP during the Korean War. After he was honorably discharged, he settled in the Baltimore area where he completed his GED and took numerous college credits.
Dick met his future wife, Ruth Ann Young, while working at Fresh Air Camp in the Baltimore area. After attending church activities with her, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior at a Youth For Christ rally. Dick and Ruth married in May of 1955 and raised their five children in Perry Hall.
Dick joined the Baltimore City Police Department, working as a street/traffic patrolman for 6 years and in their radio division for an additional 6 years. He then worked as a radio technician for 10 years with the Maryland State Highway Administration, and with the Department of Natural Resources for 3 years before retiring from the State of Maryland with 25 years of service.
After retirement, Dick and Ruth traveled extensively to many countries in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, as well as frequently traveling across the United States. They spent two years volunteering with RVICs, an organization that provides volunteers at various Christian Camps.
Throughout his life, Dick was very active in his Christian life, serving as a representative for Bible Memory Association, American Bible Society, the Sunday School Convention and as an elder for the Brethren Assemblies. He also held a Chaplain badge from Johns Hopkins Hospital and made numerous pastoral visits there as well as 13 other hospitals in the area. He boldly shared his faith wherever he went and regularly distributed tracts and devotionals to those he contacted.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 65 years, Ruth Ann, and his oldest son, Richard Leo, Jr. He is survived by his sons, Keith P. (Janis) and Stephen A.; his daughters, Jacqueline Sue (Jonathan) Wittman and Elizabeth Ann (Frederick) Engles; Josephine Ward (widow of Richard, Jr.); thirteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held Friday, April 7, 2023, from 2 PM-4 PM and 7 PM-9 PM at Sterling-Ashton-Schwab-Witzke Funeral Home of Catonsville, Inc., 1630 Edmondson Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228, as well as Saturday, April 8, from 10 AM-11 AM at Brooklyn Bible Chapel, 502 Jack Street, Baltimore, MD 21225, followed by a service in celebration of Dick’s life at 11 AM. Burial will be Monday, April 10, 2023, at 11:30 AM at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery, 11501 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills, MD 21117.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sterlingashtonschwabwitzke.com for the Ward family.
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