Lewis Ward, Jr. Obituary

Lewis Patton Ward, Jr, 66 was called to the Lord unexpectedly on July 26, 2010. He was born in Denver, Colorado at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital on November 19, 1943 to Lewis Patton and Lena Mae Ward. He was preceded in death by his parents Lewis Sr. and Lena Mae Ward. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Geraldine Louise (Williams) Ward, his sisters Karen Gorrell (Richard) and Linda McIntyre (Charles), his sons John (Cheri) and Richard (Erika), his grandchildren Evan, Holly, Heather Ward and Reese Ward, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Lewis was raised in Pueblo and graduated from Centennial H.S. in 1961. He was a standout football player, wrestler and track and field athlete. He was inducted in 2005 as a member of the Centennial H.S. Athletic Hall of Fame. He attended Colorado State College (University of Northern Colorado) in Greeley. He graduated with a teaching degree in history and was first hired as a coach and teacher at Montrose H.S. (CO). After two years, he took a job at Harrison H.S. in Colorado Springs. At Harrison, Lewis served as head wrestling coach for 13 years and athletic director for 7 years. In 1984, he helped open Sierra H.S. in Colorado Springs where he served as athletic director until he retired in 1999. After his retirement, he served an additional year back at Harrison H.S. as athletic director until 2000. Lewis was extremely devoted to supporting high school athletics. Lewis continued to be a strong enthusiast for Sierra Athletics until his passing. Lewis was a person who enjoyed watching all sports, particularly the Broncos, Nuggets, and Rockies. Aside from his affection for sports, he also enjoyed westerns, 50's music and the outdoors. He loved to take his grandchildren fishing. Lewis had a true love for spending time with his family. Lewis was a devoted husband and father and grandfather. Lewis enjoyed the time he spent with Geri, his sons and their wives, his four grandchildren and his many good friends. Funeral mass will be on Monday August 2, 2010 at 11 AM at Holy Apostles Catholic Church in Colorado Springs at the corner of Oro Blanco and North Carefree. A reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Apostles Church of Colorado Springs.