Charles William Ward

Published 9:05 am Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Charles William Ward passed into the arms of Jesus on April 30, at Cedarfield, his retirement home in Richmond. 

Charles was born to Charles M. Ward and Emily F. Ward in Maspeth, New York on July 29, 1928. There, he went to school and he served in the U.S. Army for one year. Preceding him in death were Richard, Wanda, Gloria and Carol, his loving siblings. 

Charles met Renée Roppelt in 1943 and it was love at first sight. She became his bride on June 14, 1947. Three children were born following that union. 

Charles worked for General Electric as a repair person in his early adult life. In 1965, he proudly received his Bachelor of Ministry from Boston University. He went on to serve in the United Methodist Churches in Gaylordsville and New Fairfield, Connecticut for eight years. In 1967, he earned a B.S.Ed. in Social Studies and taught at Danbury High School. He taught in Danbury for 22 years. During his teaching career, Charles earned two Master’s degrees in psychology in 1970 and 1976. He offered private counseling in the Sherman/ New Fairfield areas. Dad always told us that he returned to further education for his family. This proved to be true, manifesting itself in the career choices of his children and his grandchildren. 

In 1988, Charles and Renée moved to Keysville to enjoy retirement. In 2006, when tragically Renée contracted ALS, all of the family members moved within a 100-mile radius to Southside Virginia. Renée passed away Aug. 31, 2007. 

Charles is survived by his three children, Glenn (Shiloh) of Keysville, Jan (Mike) of Farmville and Laur (Bobby) of Keysville; his special friend, Katie Cole of Richmond; grandsons, Patrick Brook (Allison), Trevor Lee (Samantha) of Richmond and Jesse Wang of Washington D.C. and his great grandchildren, Henry and Lena Brook and Fallon Lee. 

Charles was preceded in life by his parents, Charles and Emily; his loving wife Renée, and his siblings, Richard, Wanda, Gloria and Carol. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider Smile Train, ALS Association or National Republican Committee when donating in memory of Charles. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, May 18, at 2 p.m. at Keysville United Methodist Church. A reception will follow. Interment of ashes of Charles and Renée will take place at a later date. 

A very special thanks is given on behalf of Dad for the longtime love and deep caring of their beloved one to Katie, Kathie, Tom, Andy, Jan, Mike, Bobby, Laur, Trevor, Sammi, Fallon, Patrick, Allison, Henry, Lena and Jesse. Thank you all for your tender care.