Robert A. ‘Bob’ Ward
Amazing husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend, passed at the age of 96 in his home surrounded by love on Wednesday, October 21, 2020.
Beloved husband for 66 years of the late, and equally amazing, Gina Rodegast Ward, father of Pam Stone, Pat Ward, and Megan Buttery; son of the late Walter and Marguarite Ward, brother of the late Jean Byrne and the late Jack Ward; adored grandfather of James, Aaron (Sara), Ryan (Nicole), and Mark Stone; Joshua, Caleb, Zachary (Katie), and Caitlin (Connor) Ward; and Patrick Buttery; great-grandfather of ten.
Bob touched so many lives, especially those of his many cherished, lifelong friends.
Bob served as a Navy fighter pilot in WWII, turning 21 on VJ Day. He was a mechanical engineer and commercial general contractor.
Always curious, and adventurous, he moved his young family to Puerto Rico for a year, flew small private planes for many years, traveled nationally and internationally, rode motorcycles, raised homing pigeons, flew his drone, drove alone to Kitty Hawk, NC well into his 80s, and built an ice rink in the yard for the neighborhood kids one winter.
He was always looking for a project that he could embrace enthusiastically and ended most days with either a martini or gin and tonic, often in the homes of beloved friends.
Bob was truly one of a kind, loved by many, and will be missed by all!
Services: A private Mass and burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery is planned for Thursday, October 29.
Condolences(3)-
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Maria Miskovic says
November 4, 2020 at 6:32 pmPam,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. May your Dad rest in peace.
The Leo Tevlin Family says
March 2, 2021 at 5:07 amBob was very best of friends from the early 1940’s when a Group formed a Navy Cadet Squadron at Lambert Field. When
WWII broke out it took the Men different directions. Many friendships were renewed later and maintained throughout the years. I had the pleasure of spending time at lunches with my Dad and Bob
at Sportsman’s Park or 11 Mile House.
I was just so amazed hearing stories and the mutual respect for each other.
I would meet with Bob a few times per year, take him to see my Dad when we moved Dad to Senior Care. Dad passed just shy of 95 in 2017. Bob and I continued to meet up until Covid and I was so amazed to see how sharp he was, still had his pulse on the business and driving at age 95! He was a real Gentleman and true Hero. I will miss his company and great stories. I am so sorry for the late condolences to Bob’s Family on behalf of the Tevlin Family. As with my late Father we were blessed to have extended time with these men of the Greatest Generation and the Legacy they shared as our Fathers. I will miss Bob’s company and see his smiling face.
Eleanor Heger says
October 25, 2020 at 5:13 pmI will never forget those canoe trips with your dad and you, Megan! He was so full of life…
So sorry to hear the news.