Claude Ward

Claude Herman Ward, 85, of Hopewell, VA formerly of Steeles, WV, passed away on Thursday, April 26, 2012. He was a proud Veteran of the U.S. Army, he served in World War II, and was a member of the 79th Infantry, antitank company. Mr. Ward retired from Honeywell after twenty-six years of service as an electrician. He was a member of the Church of Nazarene in Hopewell and did missionary work in South America. Mr. Ward was a member of the Oldies but Goodies Classic Cruisers. He greatly enjoyed socializing and visiting with family and friends. Mr. Ward is preceded in death by his parents, Flavious and Louise Ward; and eight brothers and three sisters. He is survived by his wife, Betty Lou Ward; son, Claude H. Ward II and his wife Lisa; daughter, Connie S. Rakes and her husband Ronnie; grandchildren, Rebecca Leipold and her husband Steve, April Ripchick and her husband Jason, Brittany, Claudia, and Wynter Ward; and numerous other loving family and friends. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 30, 2012 at the funeral home with Rev. Tom Taylor and Dr. Lewis Brown, officiating. Interment will follow at Bermuda Memorial Park. Condolences may be registered online at www.jtmorriss.com .