Lee Ward Obituary

Lee Cochran Ward, born in the small town of Pleasant Plain, Ohio on November 8,
1946 sadly departed us on March 28, 2022 at the age of 75. He was survived by his
best friend and wife of 53 years, Lucy Ward (nee Browne), their two sons, Joshua and
Kyle Ward, daughters-in-law, Elva and Tara Ward, and his five grandchildren, Brandon,
Phoenix, Layla, Brooke, and Dylan.
Lee was a man of many impressive accomplishments that started early in his life and
continued to stack and collect over the years. Those that knew him would say he was
incredibly humble despite all his brilliance, and that only made him that much more
impressive.
At Princeton High School he was Homecoming and Prom King, a celebrated athlete
with national championships in archery and swimming, and an impeccable student
across many disciplines. From there, Lee was accepted into the College of Design,
Architecture, Art, and Planning at the University of Cincinnati, where he set himself up
to excel in a career in city development and planning. Through his work, he proved his
notable vision of how to set a city up for growth while navigating its many challenges.
His work and contributions to the communities can be felt and seen today throughout
Greater Cincinnati. In 1971 he joined the U.S. Army where he received numerous
honors
.
On a personal level, he was a genuine, loving man to all, but especially to those close to
him. He was a classic hopeless romantic, always going above and beyond to show his
immeasurable love for Lucy in the most creative ways. For their 20th anniversary he
even surprised her with a full-fledged second wedding which all friends and family
attended at Hyde Park Methodist Church!
In addition to being a loving husband, and loving father to his two sons, Lee was also a
father figure to many family friends and children, people in need, and even many
animals. He had a natural gift of making others feel genuinely loved by teaching
strength, patience, hard work, and above all, good humor.
His creative mind and huge heart made him a uniquely special person, and we aim to
honor his legacy through the sharing of stories and by carrying on his spirit and
teachings for years to come.
In his will, Lee stated I hope Lucy or my sons will have a brief visitation at a location of
their choice at which time they will ask attendees to have a drink of wine, bourbon,
scotch, or soda pop and tell the funniest story they can remember about our lives. I
hope you will celebrate my life as having been fun and creative. My spirit promises to
look after you all. We will honor that request with a celebration of his life at Anderson
Pub and Grill on Sunday April 3rd from 4:00 - 8:00 PM. A burial will be held for close
friends and family on Monday, April 4th at 11:00 AM at Edwardsville Cemetery: 6371
Edwardsville Road, Blanchester, Ohio 45107.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hyde Park Community United Methodist
Church: a href="http://hydeparkchurch.org/