Major Ward

Major Henry Grady Ward, age 97, native of Philadelphia, MS, and resident of Shreveport, LA, took his final flight to the ultimate air strip in Heaven on Monday, February 1, 2016.

Henry grew up on a farm in Philadelphia, MS, joining the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1940. He graduated from advanced flight training in 1943. During his distinguished military career he was a decorated WWII pilot. For his efforts ferrying people and supplies on 80 round trip flights during the China-Berma-India division (The Hump), Maj. Henry Ward was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. As special recognition for his service for flying (The Hump), he was given the China Memorial Medal, awarded by the Governor of the Republic China and Chinese Pilot Wings, awarded by the Chinese Air Force. He has the distinction of flying the last official flight of the Berlin Airlift in 1949. In 1953, Maj. Henry Ward was assigned for two years to build a radar station on Hokkaido, Japan.

Upon his retirement in 1961, he completed his education and became a part of the EBR School System as a much respected teacher and principal from which he retired in 1983. Although he and his wife Luvy lived in Baton Rouge for 40 years, he made his home at the Oaks of Louisiana in Shreveport for the last 12 years. Henry was loved by all who crossed his path. He will be missed tremendously by all whose lives he touched.

Henry is survived by his children, Connie Cox and husband Richard, Randy Ward and wife Debbie, and Pam Agnew and husband Pat; grandchildren, Lisa Kiper, Richelle Huggins, Amy Carson, Shannon Fredricksen, Katie Brewer, Russell Vaughn, Justin Ward, and Robin Ward; 19 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister, Earlene Martin; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews that loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Luvy Ladner Ward, parents, Earl S. and Ethyl Cannon Ward; great-grandson, Eddy R. Kiper; son-in-law, Trey Kiper; sister, Etoil Ward; and brother, Norris Ward.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2016, at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, from 12:30 pm until services at 2:00 pm.

Pallbearers will include Russell Vaughn, Justin Ward, Barry Carson, Matthew Huggins, Lee Grady Caswell, Cainan James. Honorary Pallbearers will include Trey Kiper, Chad Brewer, and Todd Huggins.

Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

Family and friends may sign the guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.

Visitation

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Saturday, February 6, 2016
12:30 pm-2:00 pm

Service

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Saturday, February 6, 2016
2:00 pm

Cemetery

Resthaven Gardens of Memory
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816