Norris "Gene" Ward, 87, of Walbridge, Ohio died peacefully in his sleep at St. Charles Hospital
in Oregon, Ohio on July 19 at 8 a.m.
Norris was born in Mt. Blanchard, Ohio in 1927 to Farel D. and Nina (Gilliland) Ward.
Norris graduated from Mt. Blanchard High School in 1945. Norris attended Bowling Green State University
where he majored in education.
He taught chemistry and physics at Ruggles-Troy High School in Nova, Ohio for one year, Beaverdam High
School in Beaverdam, Ohio for five years, and Lake High School in Millbury, Ohio for 31 years.
He also coached numerous sports and continued coaching at Lake even after his retirement from teaching.
His coaching included football, basketball, cross-country, and track. In addition, he was Lake’s first
hockey coach and served in this capacity for 27 years. Norris also received the very first Ohio High
School Athletic Association Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity Award for hockey in 1995-1996.
Norris enjoyed golfing, running, bowling, swimming, photography and spending time with his family.
Norris attended Lakewood Church of the Brethren in Millbury, Ohio, where he sang in the church choir. He
also served the church in various positions over the years including teaching Sunday school, Sunday
school superintendent, and serving on the church board.
Norris was preceded in death by his parents, his son Larry Ward of Findlay, Ohio, his grandson David, and
his beloved wife of 57 years, Doris (Hawley).
Norris is survived by his daughters, Terrie (James) Deitemyer and Sandra Ward, both residing in
Walbridge, Ohio; his brothers, Dell Ward of Bradenton, Florida and Loris Ward of Mt. Blanchard, Ohio;
his sisters, Martha Benjamin of Arlington, Ohio, Nellie (Russell) Branan of Arlington, Ohio, and Janet
(Louie) Courtney of Mt. Blanchard, Ohio; and his grandchildren, James Deitemyer, Sandra Deitemyer, and
Andrew Deitemyer all residing in Walbridge, Ohio.
Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Marsh
Funeral Home, 110 Main Street Luckey, OH.
Funeral services will conducted on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at 11 a.m. from Lakewood Church of the
Brethren, Millbury, OH with additional visitation from 10 a.m. until time of services. Officiating will
be Rev. Byron Hawbecker and Rev. Delbert Kettering.
Burial will be in Lake Township Cemetery, Millbury, OH.
There will be a bereavement luncheon served at the church immediately following the cemetery committal
services.
Those giving a memorial contribution may wish to consider: Mercy St. Charles Heart Failure Clinic,
Lakewood Church of the Brethren or the Gene Ward Scholarship Fund at Lake High School.
It was important to Norris to thank all his doctors and nurses who helped extend his life, especially
Samantha of the St. Charles Heart Failure Clinic.
Those wishing to express a word of encouragement, share a memory or photo may do so at
www.marshfuneralhomes.com.
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send flowers click here!