Franklin Spencer Ward
June 17, 1935 ~ March 6, 2012
Franklin S. Ward, 76, of Sioux Falls, SD, died at his home, after a courageous battle with cancer, with his family around him.
A private family service was held Saturday, March 10, 2012, with Pastor Jeff Hayes officiating.
Franklin Ward was born June 17, 1935, in Naples, Maine to William & Nellie Ward. He enlisted in 1954 USAR. Frank graduated from Casco High in 1955. In October 19, 1956, in Norway Maine, he married to Barbara Roy, whom he met on roller skates. He fell, disappeared for weeks, took lessons then went to ask her out for their happy every after. Frank was honorably discharged in 1962 as SPEC.E-5 Military Police.
He worked at the Shoe Shop and Tannery in Norway Maine. The family then moved to East Hartford, Ct. where he became a Lead Welder at Pratt Whitney Aircraft for 34 years. Frank was a member of the Army & Navy Club and every casino east to west. He loved to play golf with his Grandsons. He also loved bowling, playing cards, collecting coins, and dancing. Linda wouldn’t know how to dance if it wasn’t for the best dad in the world.
Franklin will be missed by his wife, Barbara (Roy) Ward; three children, Ricky (Gail) Ward, Sioux Falls, Linda (Ken) Letze, Chancellor, SD, and Jeffrey Ward, East Hartford, CT; nine grandchildren, Jason, Jennifer, and Justin Ward, Sarah, Jessica, and Miranda Letze, Matthew, Nickole and Tim Ward; his mother, Nellie May Ward, Norway, ME; and two brothers, Randall Ward, Riviera Beach, FL and Erwin Ward, Oxford, ME.
Franklin was preceded in death by his father, William S. Ward; and one sister, Carrie Judkins.
Barabara and family- We are very sorry to read of Franklin passing Yes we remember you as a great couple at the Roller Rink great skaters.Also her remember Frankiln on basket ball ,baseball track teams for Casco-playing against Oxford.
your in our thoughts and prayers-
God Bless ALpo Carmen Kahkonen
Barbara,
The joy of knowing you and Franklin..my husband Bob and I bowled in a league with you and Franklin at the Silver Lane allies in East Hartford.. remember the time our league went to Montreal for a long weekend..what a hoot, we had a great time. We also had good times playing double pinochle over the years! Dancing, he never sat down, he went from person to person, anyone who was game. He had a great personality and wonderful sense of humor. I’m sure you remember the motorcycle trips you guys and Bunny/Nelson took, we loved hearing about your adventures. They’ll always be special memories for those of us who knew you and Franklin. My deepest sympathy and love to you and your family. Gale (Rogers) Peck
From Little Brother: We’re going to miss you. My three sons are going to miss you. The two older ones, Michael and Mark talk fondly of the golf games and Mike still remembers when you, Barbara, and Linda visited him at Poland Springs. Frank, we go back a long way. Growing up in Casco was good stuff. When Dad and Ma talked about the importance of honesty and hard work, we understood. Randall and Carrie would agree. Our family is with us now and life is still good even when it’s bad right now. Love you, to Barbara, Ricky, Linda, Jeffrey, and your grandchildren. See you later…
Barbara and family,
I was sorry to read of Franklin’s passing. I have great memories of you and my sister Priscilla doing fun things and enjoying life. May you find comfort in your memeories of all the good times.
My family is spread across the US. My son, Randy, is in Minot, ND, so we travel every summer to visit him and his family. Let me know your address and perhaps we can connect.
In fond memories,
Paula
He was my favorite Uncle in the entire world. We both have been thru so much together with our sicknesses. I will see you one day uncle Franklin. I hope not soon, but one never knows. I hope that I can live my life as long and prosperous as you have. Your so lucky to have a family as wonderful as you had. We all Love and miss you terribly. You were a very special person.
Love You your niece, Marie
Alan and I send our deepest condolences to you all. Franklin was a good husband, father, and friend to all who knew him. He will be sadly missed. I have known
all of you since 1965 and have lots of good memories of time spent with you. When
I read what Erwin wrote about honesty and hard work, I get a mental picture of Franklin. He would tell you the truth, whether you wanted to hear it or not! He fought a good fight for a long time, and now you have the many years of good memories to help you get through this very sad time. Our love to all of you, Hope & Alan