Ernest M. Ward, 92, was welcomed into Jesus’ arms on September 12, 2026. He was born on April 30, 1934 to Alvie and Anna Ward. After graduating from Rochester High School in 1953, he enlisted into the United States Air Force and served during the Korean campaign. He then enrolled in tech school at Kessler Air Force base in Biloxi, Mississippi and graduated as a radar repair and maintenance technician. Ernest was then sent to the 29th Air Defense Command in Great Falls, Montana, and then transferred to the 786th AC&W Squadron in Minot, North Dakota. He was then discharged in February 1958 with a Staff Sergeant rating.
He began working for Pittsburgh Tube Company in Monaca, PA in the engineering department. Ernest was hired by Syntron/Link Belt, and held numerous titles such as Applications Engineer, Design Engineer, Senior Design Engineer, Project Engineer, and for a short time, Senior Project Engineer, before retiring in 1998.
While in North Dakota, he met the love of his life, Eileen Atwood. They were married in Tolley, ND on March 2nd, 1958. They enjoyed sixty years of marriage, and together, they raised a wonderful son, Michael, who later became Ernest’s caregiver during his remaining few years.
Ernest was a lifetime member of the American Legion and NRA. He was also a fifty year member of F&AM Masonic Lodge 313 & 753 (32nd degree), Coudersport Consistory, Shriners of Altoona, PA, and Grove Chapel Lutheran Church, where he served on church council, parish cabinet, transition team, and as the primary apple butter maker.
He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and friend. Ernest enjoyed the outdoors hunting and fishing, traveling, golfing, bowling, reading books on his Kindle, bus trips to the casino, and going out to eat on Friday nights and after church on Sundays.
Thanks to the doctors, nurses, and support staff at Indiana Regional Medical Center for the care received during the nearly two weeks he was there, as well as the staff at Indian Haven for making him comfortable during his final hours. A special thanks should also go out to the nurses providing his home health care from ANEW, especially Brianna, whom he shared a special bond with. He truly considered her one of a kind.
Ernest lived a full and wonderful life, and for that we should be thankful. As sad as we are at his passing, we should find comfort in knowing he is finally reunited with his loving wife in heaven, Eileen!
Friends will be received Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the John A. Lefdahl Funeral Home, 898 Old Route 119, N., Indiana, PA 15701, A grave side service will be held Friday at 11 AM at Grove Chapel Cemetery with Pastor Micah McMillen officiating.
