Jerry L. Ward, age 66, of Holland, OH and formerly of Pemberville, OH passed away at his home on Friday, January 27, 2023, with his wife near his side. He was born on January 11, 1957 in Bowling Green, OH to Thomas D. and Nancy M. (Spicer) Ward. On July 31, 1976 he married Caroline Stephens at the Pemberville United Methodist Church. Jerry and Caroline raised two daughters and have celebrated nearly 47 years of marriage together. He served his country in the United States Air Force, retiring after 23 years of service with a rank of Master Sergeant.
Following retirement from the United States Air Force in 2001, Jerry worked as a 911 dispatcher for 20 years; One year at the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department (CA), another year at Maricopa County (AZ) and eighteen years for the Apache Junction Police Department (AZ). Always remaining a proud Veteran, Jerry’s many memberships included: life membership in the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.), the Air Force Association and the Arizona Conference of Police and Sheriffs. Other joys included: fast cars, off roading, photography, music, creative endeavors, and being a lover of dogs. He was a father to many and he and his wife were proud foster and exchange parents. Nevertheless, his greatest joy was his family, especially his granddaughter Piper, who affectionately knew him as “Opa”.
In addition to his wife Caroline, Jerry is survived by his daughters: Ellen (Bryon) Winchester of Washington, MO and Emily (Seth) Wilcox of McMinnville, OR; Granddaughter, Piper Ellie Wilcox also of OR; Brothers: Rick (Dianna) Ward of Pemberville, OH, and Larry Ward of Mesa, AZ. Sisters: Elizabeth “Betsy” Robinson of FL, and Ann Browder of West Virginia. Best friend: Steve Fugate of Mesa, AZ; numerous nieces and nephews, and K-9 pal, Riley. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Linda Susan Ward.
Family and friends will be received 10-11 a.m., with a Memorial Service at 11 a.m., Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at Pemberville United Methodist Church, 205 Perry Street Pemberville, OH. The service will be live streamed on YouTube, search Pemberville Methodist. Officiating will be Bridgett Clark. Memorials may take the form of contributions to: T.A.P.S., or the Jerry Ward Memorial Fund at Apache Junction Animal Control. Those wishing to express a word of encouragement, share a memory or photo may do so at: www.marshfuneralhomes.com.
