It is with tremendous sadness that the family of Kirk William Ward age 72 announces the peacefully passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend on Thursday morning, June 2, 2016 at his home in Battle Creek, Michigan. Jesus welcomed him into Heaven that Thursday morning.
He was born into the Ward family on July 2, 1943 in Detroit, MI the son of William W. Ward and Ruth (McNinch) Ward.
Kirk worked as a printer all of his life beginning at Lawson Printing for 15 years, then worked at Clark Equipment as printer for 21 years, advanced to Collateral Management for 10 years as printer, then eventually worked for Upjohn, Pfizer, and Pharmacia for 15 years until his retirement in 2005.
He married the former Judy Ann Cantine on November 21, 1964 in Battle Creek, MI by the Justice of the Peace.
Kirk graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1961 where he worked in the print shop during his adolescent years. Kirk was an honorably discharged U S Army veteran of the Vietnam Era, he served as a Private.
He was a member of American Legion George A. Custer Post # 54 where he once served as 2nd Vice President, also served on the Post Color Guard. Was a member of the Eagles and Misfits Car Club.. Enjoyed bowling on the Clark bowling league on Friday Nights league, also enjoyed golfing on several leagues; also playing cards. He enjoyed old cars, motorcycles and had several older cars he prided himself in owning and driving. He also enjoyed the out of doors with camping. Kirk recently accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years Judy Ann Ward of Battle Creek, MI; a daughter Lori Lee & Brent Eakins of Battle Creek; two granddaughters: Brittney Elizabeth & Israel Stanley and Chloe' Marie Eakins both of Battle Creek; his brother: Robert L. Ward of Battle Creek, MI; and his sister: Anna Jo & Johnny Leonard of Land-O-Lakes, Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister: Juanita.
Visitation will be held at the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service on Monday, June 6, 2016 where the family will be present from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Funeral services commemorating the amazingly blessed life of Kirk Ward will be held Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at 3:00 PM at the Family Altar Chapel, 14844 – 6 ½ Mile Road, Battle Creek. Military Honors will conclude the service at the church. Burial of cremated remains will be later at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial tributes may be made to: Bronson at Home Hospice. Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, a member by invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes. (269)965-5145 Please leave a personal message for the family on Kirk’s web-page at www.bachmanhebble.com