Meredith V. Ward

Meredith V. Ward, born September 19, 1929 in Dayton, Ohio, passed away quietly, after a long illness, May 20, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio where he resided. He was one of five children, born to Morgan and Vera Ward. He married Bobbie Jean Drew in 1950. Their union produced four sons, Stephen Meredith (deceased), Kevin Duane, Robert Leslie and Christopher Drew. He was a graduate of Roosevelt High School. Meredith worked at Gentile Air Force Station and thereafter at Defense Electronic Supply Center in Kettering, Ohio as an Engineering Specialist. He was a member of YAESU Communications (CB radio), the Civilian Welfare Council and the Skeet Club.

Meredith was a gifted drawer, painter and designer; these same gifts he passed along to his sons and grandsons. He was also a talented woodworker, designing and building unique lamps, roll-top desks, cabinets, tables and fences. An avid amateur musician with a particular fondness for guitar. Meredith built two electric guitars and taught himself to play them. He also built the large addition to his home and a two car garage when his family expanded the bounds of their too small home. In all these projects, he saw no task too complicated or specialized, be it carpentry, plumbing, electrical, automotive, or music that he could not tackle and conquer.

Traveling was very much a part of Meredith’s career. He prided himself on having seen the USA from California to New York, Florida to Washington State. A talented cook, he would often return home with fresh recipes, which were always met with cheering delight, to try out on his young family. He often accompanied Dayton Contemporary Dance Company on their tours to North Carolina, and Lyons, France. Other international destinations visited included Mexico and Canada.

Meredith believed in a hard day’s work for good wages. We hold fond memories of his story-telling, his delicious apple and pecan pies (the absolute best in America) and his loving devotion to all his family.

Preceded in death by his mother, Vera Elizabeth Miller; father, Morgan Ward Sr.; brothers, Donald Ward and Morgan Ward, Jr.; first wife, Bobbie Jean Ward. He is survived by his devoted wife of 21 years, Dorothy (Howard) Ward; sons, Kevin D. Ward (Preetarndas), Robert L. Ward (Lynne), Christopher D. Ward (Sonji); sister, Phyllis Sanders; brother, Michael Ward; four grandchildren, three great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral service will be held 11 am Friday, May 31, 2019 at Shiloh Baptist Church, 3801 Fairbanks Ave. Visitation 9 am at the church until time of service. Family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Interment Woodland Cemetery.

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