Ward, Gary E. 1953-2021

Gary E. Ward, 68, of Niles, passed away on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at Lakeland Spectrum Hospital in St. Joseph. He was born on March 30, 1953 in Johnson City, Tennessee to Virginia Benson and was adopted by Al and Helen Frost. After graduating high school, Gary received a bachelor’s degree from John Wesley Christian College. Gary had previously been self-employed as a courier. Gary was a high school and college basketball star. He also had a love of music and was gifted at playing the guitar as well as the keyboard. He enjoyed watching sports, particularly tennis and golf. Gary also had a love for his grandchildren and looked forward to spending time with them. He loved his cats, especially Nala; as well as his grand-dogs, Oliver and Charlie, spoiling them with treats. Gary was a man of great faith and gave his life to Jesus at the age of eighteen. He was an avid student of The Bible and a teacher of God’s word. He was a member of the Church of God Full Gospel in Niles. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Billy Mark Ward. Gary is survived by his loving wife, Annette Ward of Niles; his daughter, Hillary (David R.) Jackson of Niles; grandchildren, Lilly, Aubrey, Gracie, Payton, Eli, Hunter and Haiven Jackson, all of Niles; his birth mother, Virginia Benson of Texas; his brothers, Carl (Mel) Aubrey of Texas and Roger (Ruth) Aubrey of Alabama and a sister, Patricia Horton of Illinois. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 10, 2021 at Noon at Brown Funeral Home in Niles with a time of visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. An interment will take place at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. Gary will be remembered for having a great sense of humor and always joking around with those he loved. Memories of Gary may be shared with his family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.