Charles F. Ward

Charles F. Ward, 88, of Niles, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at his home in Niles. Chuck’s family will receive guests from 5-7pm, Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St., Buchanan. Visiting time will continue from 10am until time of funeral service at 11am, Thursday, September 30, 2021 at Village Seventh Day Adventist Church, 635 St. Joseph Ave., Berrien Springs. Burial to follow at Howe Cemetery, Niles. Memorial contributions may be given to Berrien County Animal Control, www.berriencounty.org/211/Animal-Control or the Adventist Frontier Mission, www.afmonline.org. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com. Chuck was born July 24, 1933 in DeGraff, OH to Herbert and Violet Alma (Speece) Ward. At the age of five, Chuck fostered his love of animals beginning with his enjoyment of milking his cows. That love of animals turned into a 45-year career as a veterinarian. Before vet school, Chuck worked for Michigan Bell Telephone for nine years, a job he was very proud of. After the telephone company, Chuck attended MSU Veterinarian School. He started his career with large animals but eventually moved into smaller animals. Among his years as a vet, he was a member of the Michiana Veterinarian Association, as well as a member of the American Veterinarian Medical Association. He was a large supporter of the Berrien County Youth Fair and an integral part of the health screening program for the fair animals. Chuck was also proud of his service to the Buchanan School Board, serving for eight years and five as president. He was also a past member and former president of the Buchanan Jaycees. In his free time, Chuck became a private pilot, owning his own plane and runway, often taking his family on “breakfast flights.” He also enjoyed playing cards with his wife. Chuck will be missed by his wife of 68 years, Dorothy (Carter) Ward, whom he married June 14, 1953 in Berrien Springs; his children, Deborah Ward, Ron Ward, and Greg (Fran) Ward; his grandchildren, Gabriel (Tiffany) Parach, Anthea Ward, Carter (Erica) Ward, Rachel (Austin) Brown, and Marissa (Matt) Colston; his great grandchildren, Gabriella, Isabella, Dahlia, Olive, and Camden; and his siblings, Mary (Ted) Teeters, and John (Marilyn) Ward. He is preceded in death by four siblings; and his parents.