Walter E. Ward

Walter E. Ward, 88, of Freeport passed away on Thursday, March 3, 2016 in Good Samaritan Hospice at Concordia, Jefferson Twp., Cabot, with his family by his side.

He was born December 27, 1927 in Freeport to the late Sherman and Alberta (Eshenbaugh) Ward and was a resident of Freeport Borough all of his life.

Walter graduated from Freeport High School in 1945. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy following graduation and served as a signalman stationed at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba at the end of WW II.

After the war, he studied accounting through the G.I. Bill and was employed by the Montgomery Lumber Company in Freeport. There, he met his future wife, Greta. They were married in May of 1955.

Walter was a natural athlete. He played baseball, golf, ping pong, pool, and was a great bowler.

He was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church, Natrona Heights for 61 years. In addition, he was a member of the Freeport Area Kiwanis Club, Armstrong Lodge F. & A.M. # 239, Freeport, and volunteered actively with Meals on Wheels. Walter enjoyed gardening, oil painting, his classic cars, coffee with his friends at McDonalds, Natrona Heights, his golf and bowling leagues, and visiting his grandchildren.

Walter is survived by his two daughters, Barbara (Joseph) Penshorn of Azle, TX, Cathy Gray of Lantana, FL, his grandsons, John Conor and Jackson Penshorn, his brother Roger W. Ward, his sisters, Frances (Donald “Red”) Stevenson of Apollo, Joyce Ward of Allegheny Twp., Marlene (Clarence) Brown of Parks Twp., sister in law, Betty Smith of Freeport, brother in law, Melvin “Merk” Erb of Freeport, friend, Carol Hale of Freeport and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents mentioned above, his wife Greta J. (Montgomery) Ward on April 17, 2010, sisters Dorothy Booher, Lois Jane Erb, brothers, Donald L. and John Ward.

At Walter’s request there will be no public visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Monday, March 7th at 11:00 am at Grace United Methodist Church 1333 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights with his pastor Reverend James Young officiating. Burial will take place in Mt. Airy Cemetery, Natrona Heights at a later date. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Dennis J. Daugherty Funeral Home 324 Fourth Street, Freeport. (724-295-3100).

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions may be made to the Meals on Wheels, 211 Fourth Street, Freeport, PA 16229.

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