Larry Ward, 77

Larry Ward, 77, a husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin and friend to many, passed away Feb. 28, 2024 in Kalispell, with family by his side. He follows his grandparents, parents, siblings and his grandson, Thorin to the Beyond.

He was born Sept. 14, 1946 to Roy and Opal (Benbow) Ward, at home in Garfield, Arkansas. He joined three older siblings, Ray, Shirley and Glenn. Later, Larry became an older brother to Nancy and John. He grew up in Conway Springs, Kansas, enjoying time with his large extended family. He played and coached baseball, acted in school plays and worked hard, graduating from Conway Springs Highschool in 1964.

In 1966 Larry joined the Kansas National Guard and completed Basic Training in Fort Benning, Georgia. His unit was activated for riot control in 1968 and he was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado. He went home on a weekend pass and met Janie Jensen at a beer joint in Wichita, saying "I'll take the short one." Larry asked Janie to marry him that night and four months later on Dec. 3, 1968 they were married. One month before their wedding he received his orders to go to Vietnam.

He left for Vietnam in January of 1969 where he served as a Sergeant E5. He was a squad leader and did his best to keep his men safe. In June of 1969, he stepped on a landmine that broke both his legs and caused shrapnel wounds to his hip, arm and stomach. He received many badges and medals, including a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.

Larry and Janie settled in the San Francisco Bay Area. While working, he attended college and graduated with a major in history and a minor in math. During this time, they welcomed their first son, Andrew in 1972.

Larry enrolled at the University of Montana to complete his education degree. This brought him to Montana, a place he called home for the rest of his life. He got a teaching job in Thompson Falls, and their little family moved there in the summer of 1976, embracing a daughter, Amy shortly after. Their second son, Matthew was welcomed in January, 1979.

Larry taught second and sixth grades and enjoyed it thoroughly. However, due to poor teacher wages he embarked on a bookkeeping career. Later in life he returned to Education at Spring Creek Lodge Academy.

He was active in the community, coaching baseball, softball and wrestling. He was a member of Lion's Club and Odd Fellows and he served on the City Council and as mayor.

After 38 years in Thompson Falls, Larry and Janie moved to Columbia Falls to be closer to family. He enjoyed retirement; spending time with family, traveling with Janie, attending his granddaughter Opal's events, and taking drives and listening to music.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Janie; sons, Andrew and Matthew; daughter, Amy (Besaw); son-in-law, Kenn Besaw; grandchildren, Rachel, Jordan, Dillin, Ameerah, Tesla, Brighton, Opal, Michael, Jonathan, Sabrina, Raeleigh, Braxton; and great-grandchildren, Tucker and Quinn; and many extended family members. He was so loved.

A service will be held at 4 p.m. on April 5, in Thompson Falls. The family wishes to thank the staff at Immanuel Living, Logan Health Hospital and Lauren Dillard. If you wish to make a donation in Larry's memory, please send it to the Montana Hope Project.