Richard “Rick” Duane Ward, 65, passed away peacefully after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, Monday, December 9, 2024, surrounded by family at his home in Shiloh. He was born June 18, 1959, to Hollis and Viola (Thompson) Ward in Mansfield. Rick dearly loved Annette, his wife of 28 years. He worked for Vitro Glass Plant, and he formerly worked at Burner Systems for many years. Rick was a hard worker who took pride in providing for his family. He was often found outdoors, barefoot. He enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, gardening, raising chickens, and feeding the birds. He was especially fond of hummingbirds.
Rick is survived by his wife, Annette Ward; two daughters, Angel (Shawn) Wells and Donna Ward; mother, Viola Ward; sister, Sharon Ward; grandchildren, Devyn (Rachel) Wells, Dylan Wells, and Keeleigh Perkins; great-granddaughter, Charlotte Wells; niece, Samantha (Danny) DiPuccio; nephew Denver Gibson; and many cherished family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Hollis Ward; brother, Doug Ward; sister, Carolyn Gibson; in-laws, Donald and Theresa Owens; and special cousin Dennis Ousley.
Family and friends will gather for Visitation Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and again Thursday, December 19, 2024, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at 98 South Diamond Street. A Funeral Service will follow Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 11:00 AM with Pastor James Taylor officiating. Rick will be laid to rest at Mansfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Foundation. Wappner Funeral Directors-Mansfield is honored to serve the Ward family.
Words of condolence may be expressed at www.wappner.com
