L. Edward Ward, 78, of Oneida

ONEIDA>> L. Edward “Ed” Ward, 78, of 1513 Lake Road, Oneida, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, at his home with his family by his side, following a lengthy illness.

He was born on Aug. 6, 1938, in Oneida, the son of Leo H. and Lena (Brown) Ward.

Ed was a lifelong resident of Oneida, graduating from Oneida High School in 1957.

He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving from 1957-1961.

Ed worked for the Plumbers & Steamfitters Union Local No. 112 of Binghamton for 27 years. He later worked at the NYS Oneida Correctional Facility for 13 years, retiring in 2002.

He was of the Catholic faith.

Ed enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, wood working, and spending time with his family.

He married Donna J. Wimett on Oct. 27, 1962, in Oneida.

Surviving besides his wife, Donna, are: one son and daughter-in-law, James and Cheri Ward of Oneida; four daughters and three sons-in-law, Rebecca Morris of Pflugerville, Texas, Barbara and Mitchell Blank of Liberty, N.Y., Carolyn and Shannon Lints of Canastota, and Mary and William Tillotson of Lisle, N.Y.; one brother-in-law, John Allen of Oneida Castle; 10 grandchildren, Branden Ward, Cody Ward, Kristy Ward, Jenna Blank, Ean Blank, Thomas Lints, Rachael Lints, Bowen Tillotson, Erin Tillotson, and Anna Tillotson; two nephews; one great niece; as well as many cousins. Ed was predeceased by two sisters, Patricia Allen; and an infant sister.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24, 2016, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James St., Canastota. The Rev. Joseph F. Kehoe, pastor of St. Francis Church, Durhamville, will officiate. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Oneida. Calling hours will be held on Monday, prior to the service, from 9-11 a.m. at the funeral home. In his memory, contributions may be made to the Great Swamp Conservancy, Inc., 8375 N. Main St., Canastota, N.Y. 13032, with envelopes available at the funeral home.

J. HOMER BALL FUNERAL HOME, INC. Canastota A Trust 100 Family Owned Funeral Home