Randell Robert Ward

Randell Robert Ward, 74, of Mt. Union, PA, went to be with the Lord peacefully on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at his home. Even during his brief battle with bone cancer he was strong willed, courageous and a fighter. He was a true soldier.

Born July 13, 1946 at Orbisonia, PA, he was a son of the late Gamble and Melva (Brown) Ward.

He is survived by his fiance, Maxine Gardner, for whom he cherished and loved very much, along with his dearly loved and spoiled fur babies, Jack Russell Terrier Robee and Shih Tzu Poodle, Sissy. 

He is also survived by two children, Edna Mae Smith and husband Malcolm of York, PA and Patrick Ward and wife Renee of Virginia, a number of grandchildren, one sister, Brenda Getz and husband Allen of Huntingdon, PA, one half sister, Peggy Claycomb and husband Ron of Mill Creek, PA and step siblings, Gary Ward, Frances Estep and Bruce Estep, all of Mill Creek and Rosemary Wike of Huntingdon, PA.

Randy loved the outdoors, always tinkering in the yard. He loved to garden and he loved his flowers. He had quite the green thumb. He also loved fishing and hunting locally and other places he traveled to, being very successful over the years. He loved Penn State, the New Orleans Saints, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Randy recently became an active member and partner in the “Bowser” Camp, Cassville, PA. That was his getaway, whether it be playing a relaxing game of cards with the guys or a project day working around the camp, he enjoyed going there deeply.

He also loved older cars, especially his red Corvette.

He was a member of V. F. W. Post 5754, Mt. Union, PA where he served in the Color Guard for many years, American Legion Post 107, Mt. Union, PA, the Huntingdon Elks Lodge #976, the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #223, Huntingdon, PA and Madden-Wennick Post 518, American Legion, Rockhill Furnace, PA.

Randy was a veteran of the U. S. Army, serving from 1964 until his retirement in December of 1987. He served overseas in the Vietnam War and retired with 22 years of active service. During his military lifetime he achieved many high honors such as the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with V Device, Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (2), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Air Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Humanitarian Service Medal, Overseas Bars (3), Combat Medical Badge, Overseas Service Ribbon (2), Army Service Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal (First Class) Good Conduct Medal, (Fourth Award) Combat Infantryman Badge and Combat Medical Badge. 

Randell was a very well decorated military NCO through the years. He made a tremendous sacrifice during his military career that a lot of people never ever realized and he deserves to be recognized for his many years of dedication and sacrifice for his country. God Bless you Randy. We thank you for your service.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at Mount Union Cemetery with Pastor Dave Hersh officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 1120 G St., Suite 700, Washington, D. C. 20005 or to the Huntingdon County Humane Society, 11371 School House Hollow Road, Huntingdon, PA 16652.

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