Obituaries

December 12, 1948 to September 3, 2023

FRANCESVILLE - Roger E. Ward, 74, of Francesville, passed away Sunday, Sept. 3, at his residence in Francesville after a hard-fought, three-year battle with cancer.

He was born Dec. 12, 1948 in Francesville to the late Russell Emmett “R.E.” and Lena [Honegger] Ward. He graduated from Francesville High School in 1966. On Nov. 16, 1968 he married Sandra J. Long in Francesville, and they were blessed to share 54 years together. She survives.

Roger Ward

He is also survived by:
Erica (Evan) Christensen, North Judson, Daughter
Amber (Philip) Leman, Francesville, Daughter
Amanda (Rustin) Meister, Lafayette, Daughter
Erin (Bryce) Drayer, Centerville, TN, Daughter
21 Grandchildren: Aidan and Macie Christensen; Ethan, Camille, Brie, Tate, and Josie Leman; Micah, Clay, Joshua, Moriah, and Colt Meister; Sydney, Brant, Nolan, Elliot, Theodore, Rhett, Knox, Celine, and Ransom Drayer
Nola Wuethrich, Francesville, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
2 Infant Grandchildren
Barbara (David) Wuethrich, Sister
Dale (Anne) Ward, Brother
Mary Ann (Joe) Sanders, Sister
David (Karen) Ward, Brother
Richard Wuethrich, Brother-in-law

Mr. Ward served in the U.S. Air Force from 1968-1972, with an eight-month tour of duty in Vietnam as a loadmaster on cargo airplanes. He earned the rank of staff sergeant before completing his military service. He was a member of the Francesville American Legion Post #228 where he participated in the honor guard. He gave his life to the Lord in 1979. He was a faithful member of the Francesville Apostolic Christian Church and served in many roles over the years. His strong faith guided him to invest in the lives of others - including the less fortunate. He was an entrepreneur and local business owner. His life work included owning and operating a construction company, a stone quarry, and a hog operation. He also grain farmed for many years. He enjoyed playing golf as well as spending time with his friends. He cherished wintering with Sandi in Florida and being surrounded by his family. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather who strongly desired to see his family walk the streets of gold with him someday.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 8, at the Apostolic Fellowship Center in Francesville, and one hour prior to services at the church Saturday. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville with ministers of the church officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

 Memorial donations may be made to LifeWise Academy West Central.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville.