Vernon (Butch) Ward

July 28th 2023, today the world lost a caring, compassionate, life loving individual. Butch as he preferred to be called was a man that so many of us could look up to and admire. Betty and his family were his life, there was always a smile on his face but it was just that much brighter when he was talking about family, whether talking about attending a game or just the regular Sunday family get together.

We first met Butch & Betty in January of 2019, at a RV resort in Florida, it was the beginning of a great but way too short relationship, Butch was that guy that was always on the go whether helping Laurie learn the techniques of pickleball, or the introduction of those never ending Brandy Alexander’s that always seemed to be in Butch’s blender. Butch and Laurie worked on the flower beds at the resort, that is when Butch wasn’t working on his site or sneaking off to the clubhouse to watch the Buckeyes play.

Butch was a Vietnam veteran, and a man that was very proud of his home and his country, the man was competitive as well, whether in a serious game of pickle ball or a fun game of corn hole, he was supportive of everyone, but could always land that well timed jab just to keep you honest.

It was in the spring as we all were preparing to head back to our summer homes that we promised to stay in touch, and as life gets in the way we were not as good as we should have been at calling, but we made the effort to never pass by without stopping for a visit, and we are so glad that we made that effort. Whether it was a weekend visit to enjoy a Tomahawk steak cooked to perfection by Brian or just a sort visit for a snack and a new cocktail that Butch had discovered. Our last visit was just in May, when we stopped by the Ward’s summer getaway spot near Port Clinton, my only regret now, was that we were on a tight schedule and we only stayed one night. But we were able to catch up and enjoy our time together.

Obituary

Vernon “Butch” D. Ward, age 75, of Pemberville, Ohio, passed away on Friday, July 28, 2023 at Magruder Hospital in Port Clinton, OH. He was born on September 11, 1947 in Bowling Green, OH, to William and Frances (Chamberlain) Ward. He would go on to graduate from Eastwood High School and later serve his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Butch would marry Betty J. Pringle on June 17, 1978 in Bowling Green. He and Betty raised 4 children and celebrated 45 years of marriage together.

Butch worked as a surveyor at Poggemeyer Design in B.G for over 30 years. He remained a proud veteran and was member of the Pemberville American Legion Post 183. Camping and cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes were some of his favorite pastimes. However, it was spending time with his family, especially going to his grandchildren’s sporting events, that brought him the greatest joy.

In addition to his wife Betty, left to cherish his memory are his children: Wade Ward, Wyatt Ward, Linsi (Brian) Willis and Lucas (Katie) Ward all of Pemberville. Grandchildren: Alexis, Kayla, Amelia, Cody, Everett, and Eloise. Sisters: Marilyn Starkey, Lela Cook and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Fonda, and brother Charlie.

Family and friends will be received from 3-7p.m., Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at the Marsh & Marsteller Funeral Home, 4094 State Route 105, Pemberville, OH. Funeral Service will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at The Pemberville American Legion Hall, located at 405 E. Front Street in Pemberville. There will be an additional time of visitation from 10 a.m., until time of service. Burial will take place following the service at Eisenhour Cemetery. Officiating will be Pr. Leroy Sholey. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials take the form of contributions to: The American Legion Post 183. Online condolences may be shared with the family at http://www.marshfuneralhomes.com.

Rest in Peace Vernon (Butch) Ward