John LeRoy Ward was born on February 24, 1945, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to the late William Eugene and Violet Ward. John returned home to our Heavenly Father on June 11, 2024, at 8:12 pm while in the arms of his loving wife, Viviana Espinosa–Ward, with children, Wendy and Julian, at his side after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease.
John was raised in Eugene, Oregon, with his parents and was the 5th of 7 children. At an early age, John developed a love for cars which generated a lifetime of auto repair, welding, painting, fabricating, and drag racing! His kids have fond memories of watching him race at Central Michigan and Onondaga Drag Strips in Michigan.
John served in the United States Army in the 1960's as a mechanic, after being honorably discharged, he landed in Detroit, Michigan, and eventually moved to Lansing, Michigan, where he worked at Melling Drop Forge during the day and Ward Auto Motive (CEO and sole employee) in the evenings and weekends. Eventually, John's lifelong dream of living in Florida came to fruition and he joined his adult children in Sarasota and was employed as a welder at Trident Building Systems. He also picked up work at U-Ship to deliver automotives across the country.
When John wasn't working, he found enjoyment in fishing, boating, playing pool, and traveling throughout different seasons in his life. In the 1980's, he decided he wanted to learn how to fly and obtained his pilot's license for small aircraft! John was a fan of old country music sung by Tom T. Hall, George Strait, Randy Travis, Merel Haggard, and Hank Williams Jr., to name a few. You would often find him in his pole barn working on a car, listening to his favorites on his little red radio! He was a dog and a cat lover, most of his cats were always named "Tom."
John was survived by his current wife, Viviana Espinosa- Ward and children, Diani (Harold), Wendy, and Julian (Espinosa), as well as family in Colombia!
John is survived by his children, Frank, Annette, Rick, Carol, Angela (Tim Shattuck), and William "Bill" Ward of mother, Phyllis Austin (deceased), of Lansing, Michigan. Daughters' in-laws, Sandy Palmer and Michelle Garrison. Christine Ewing of mother, Marie Jaquette, of Detroit, Michigan John is survived by his grandchildren: Derek (Paige) and Justin, Ryan, Hannah, Rachel and Jacob. Matthew (Jessica), Shattuck and Paige (Evan Bush). Lauren, Shannon, Rebecca, and Barrett. Great Grandchildren: Nyla, Avery, Cameron (Paige), Conner, Mason, Jackson (Matt), and Ledger (Derek).
Surviving Siblings: Larry (Judy) Ward, Janice (Guy) Alonge, Dwight Ward, and Violet (Bob) Smith, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He will be joining his grand Angels, Daniel and Timothy (Annette) and Ashley (Rick), his mother, Violet, and father, William Eugene, and brothers, Dale and Leon.
Family (in-laws and out-laws!) and friends appreciated John's quick wit and giving personality. He never met a stranger and if someone was in need, he would give what he had to offer.
The wonderful blessings of God should be remembered, not forgotten. The same gracious God who forgives sin heals diseases, redeems lives, and bestows mercy, also promises abundant blessings (Ps 103:2-5).
John was blessed with a wife who adored him and called him her "King" and stood beside him through the long battle he endured. He was also blessed with many children who loved him and stood by his side, Frank, Annette, Rick, Carol, Christine, Angela, Bill, Diane, Wendy, and Julian, and will forever hold their favorite memories of him in their hearts. We will miss his joy, laughter, humor, and the love he brought to us as a husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. We are blessed to have him in our lives.
A Memorial Service will be held 11 AM, Saturday, June 22, 2024, Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34207, is in charge of arrangements.
