Paul Robert Ward Jr., known to most as “Bob,” a fixture of the Atwood community, took the hand of the Lord on Aug. 2, 2018, in Warsaw’s Meadows Care Center. He was 76 years old.
Bob was born in Lafayette to Paul Robert Ward Sr. and his wife, Ruby Maxine Rhine Ward. One of two children, Bob and his sister, Jean, were raised in nearby Frankfort and Rossville.
While living at home, Bob took a job assisting the family of the Rev. Carpenter. When the Rev. Carpenter accepted an appointment to Warsaw’s First United Methodist Church, he offered Bob an opportunity to move with the family. Bob worked in the church for many years. He was a jack-of-all-trades and eventually found himself employed as the custodian at Atwood Elementary School, where he was employed for more than 30 years.
Bob was married to Connie Harmon by the Rev. Carpenter in First United Methodist Church on June 3, 1972. They would share more than 46 years together before his Thursday passing.
Bob was well-known around Atwood for his giving, caring nature and his willingness to help others. He found enjoyment in outdoor tasks like landscaping and gardening. He mowed yards of homes and businesses all around the Atwood area.
Bob loved all animals, especially cats and dogs; he even owned a monkey at one time. When traveling, he enjoyed the Carolinas. At home, he was a longtime member and one of the caretakers of Atwood Otterbein United Methodist Church.
In addition to his wife, Connie Ward, Bob is survived by three brothers-in-law: Terry (Marj) Harmon, Warsaw; Mike (Kathy) Harmon, Warsaw; and Barry (Cheryl) Harmon, Silver Lake. He is also survived by a niece, Rebecca Kellams, and nephew, Bobby Kellams.
Friends will gather at Atwood Otterbein United Methodist Church from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4. Pastor Jim Lawson will officiate a celebration of life beginning at 3 p.m.
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Memorials to Atwood Otterbein UMC or to Kosciusko County Animal Welfare League.
Those wishing to express sympathy may send condolences at www.TitusFuneralHome.com.
