Paul L. Ward's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Paul Lewis Ward, age 83 of Charleston, passed away on Monday, June 13, 2011 at his Charleston Rehabilitation and Health Care Center home. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening, June 15, 2011, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Graveside Services and Burial will be held at Vinton Memorial Park in his hometown of Vinton, Ohio at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 17, 2011. Paul's family and friends request that memorial gifts in his honor be made to a charity of the donor's preference. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920. Paul was born in Ohio on January 22, 1928 to the late Chester and Cora (Lewis) Ward. He is survived by a daughter, Lisa Ward of Willowick, Ohio and many special friends and colleagues. In addition to his parents Paul was preceded in death by a sister, Mildred L. Stevens. Paul was a United States Army Veteran. He received his Bachelors Degree from the University of Rio Grande in Rio Grande, Ohio and his Master's Degree and Ph.D. from Ohio State University in Columbus. He taught at both Ohio State and Rio Grande and was a Professor of English at the University of Nevada in Reno prior to coming to Charleston. He arrived in Charleston the summer of 1966 and was a Professor in the Educational Psychology and Guidance Department at Eastern Illinois University from 1967 until his retirement in 1992. Paul's life was dedicated to teaching, both in and out of the classroom. He seized the opportunity to teach abroad on several occasions which included China and Finland. Paul's desire to teach others was fueled by his own thirst for knowledge - he was always seeking opportunities to experience and learn new things. In earlier years Paul was a cycling enthusiast and would ride his bicycle numerous miles. He also enjoyed playing golf and traveling with his good friend Jo Ann Frichtl. Paul's most enjoyable and favorite hobby was gardening - his gardens flourished under his nurturing care. Paul was well respected by his friends and colleagues for his values which guided the way in which he lived his life and were the foundation for his relationship with others. A special thank you is extended to the staff of Charleston Rehabilitation and Health Care Center for the wonderful care that was provided to Paul during his residence there.
What’s your fondest memory of Paul?
What’s a lesson you learned from Paul?
Share a story where Paul's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Paul you’ll never forget.
How did Paul make you smile?