Charles D. "Doug" Ward, age 76 of Springfield, passed away Tuesday, July 31, 2012 in his residence after a lengthy illness. He was born in Johnson County, Kentucky on September 13, 1935 the son of Henderson & Clara Bell (Penix) Ward. He went to Roosevelt High School in Dayton, Oh and served in the U.S. Air Force. He worked at Wright Patterson Air Force Base as a civilian for over 30 years. He was a lifelong fan of the Cincinnati Reds.
He is survived by his brother James Ward of Englewood, daughters Vicki Smith of Vandalia, Marilyn (Robert) Grounds of Springboro, and Shelly Ward of Middletown, PA., four grandchildren Miranda (Angelo) Vescio of LaVernia, TX, Daniel Wright of Kettering, Courtney (Jason) Biser of Dayton, and Nicholas Wright of Nashville, TN, eight great grandchildren, three step daughters Terri Caskey, Cynthia Corson, and Julie Dillon, 3 step grandsons Bret Caskey, Brian Caskey, and Anguies Osborn, and a special friend Mary Lou Pace.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Rosalee Darlene (Ayrsman) Ward, two brothers Henderson and Shady Ward, and two sisters Estelle Burga and Margaret Nolley.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, August 3, 2012 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm in the BLESSING FUNERAL HOME, 11900 N. Dixie Dr. Tipp City. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 12:00 pm in the funeral home with Pastor Beverly DeBord officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Gardens, Tipp City. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Doug''s memory to Community Mercy Hospice, 1343 N. Fountain Blvd. Springfield, Ohio 45503. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.blessingfh.com.