Harold Wesley â??Wes�? Ward

Retired professor, age 89, of Horseheads, went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, January 18, 2006. He was born, the second of three sons, to Harold and Charlotte Ward in Milwaukee, WI, on May 8, 1916. Preceded in death by his first wife of 45 years, Juanita (1984), he is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Barbara; son, James Ward of Elmira; daughter, Janet (Willard) Smith of Pine Valley; stepdaughter, Barbara Jeanne (Claude) French of Big Flats; stepson, William Smith of Horseheads; stepson, Robert (Linda) Smith of Pine City; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Pursuing an early interest in politics and philosophy, Dr. Ward earned degrees from Beloit College (1938), Louisiana State University (1939), University of Virginia (1946), and studied for a year at Columbia University (1954). He taught political science at the University of Virginia (1941), Cornell College (1946-55), Southern Illinois University (1955-59), Elmira College (1959-72), Houghton College (1972-76), and Evangel College in Springfield, MO (1976-81). After retiring in 1981 he continued teaching part time at Evangel College for 1 year and, after returning to the Elmira area in 1983, taught economics and American history part time at Elmira Christian Academy (1990-96). An avid swimmer and boater from his youth, he enjoyed his summer home at Camp Arey on Keuka Lake and swimming at the Elmira YMCA AND YWCA pools. He was a former member of the Elmira Rescue Mission board of directors, Gideon?s, First Presbyterian Church, Park Church, and attended Elmira Christian Center, and Faith Tabernacle Church.A memorial service will be held Thursday, February 2, 2006, from 7-9 PM, at the American Legion Post, 45 Olcott Rd. S., Big Flats, NY. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Elmira Christian Academy, 235 E. Miller St., Elmira, NY 14904. Those wishing may leave a "Candle of Remembrance" for the family in Obituaries at www.oltihiof.com.