Larry Mike Ward

Family and friends mourn the loss of Larry Ward, beloved brother, friend, colleague and genuinely all around good person. He often expressed sincere gratefulness for what he called his 'wonderful and blessed life.' Larry was born in Bronte, Texas, February 7, 1953. His life spanned a wide range of interests, competencies and accomplishments. He was a gentle man, determined, quiet and caring-a deep thinking man. He stood firm in his values which meant at times he was also a rebel, and an adventurer, as well as patriot. At 17 he rebelled against the establishment by leaving school rather than conform to a haircut-rule, and toured Texas playing the drums in a rock-and-roll band. And by contrast, later served his country, in the US Air Force earning the Air Force Commendation Medal. His sense of adventure eventually led him, a few years ago, to quit his job, sell his house and take off on a sabbatical, traveling across the country, visiting friends and family. Much of his early music interest and business sense was keenly honed under the guidance of Leonard King, laying the foundation for Larry's broad skill set -and eventually to his excellent reputation as the "go to" problem solver in the retail music business. He earned his Bachelor and Master's Degrees in Psychology, leading to a long career in Psychological counseling. He was a purposeful, devoted and maximally committed caseworker, influencing many challenged individuals to turn their lives around. Working with both Special needs kids, and devoting his time to drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, Larry positively influenced many lives and families. Larry's known by many through his creativity, competence, crafting and performing wonderful songs while also nurturing other musicians and songwriters in developing their talents. Larry's songwriting included beautiful, moving love songs, and folk songs describing people he knew (Windmill Man, and Roger Allen's Potter's Wheel.) He crafted upbeat songs (Get Happy) and humorous songs (Procrastination Blues) and country/americana songs (Second Hand Man) as well as many faith-based songs. He was a founding member of the 1st Saturday Chicken Pickers group and active as an organizer, performer, and soundman at the 2nd Thursday Concerts at the Chicken Farm Art Center. Larry is preceded in death by his parents Alice and Garland Ward, and his brother Gerald Ward. He is survived by his daughter Aubrey K. Ward, his sisters, Judy Ward, Glenna Damstra, Rita Parr, and Sandra Strickland, 9 nieces and nephews, twenty-two great nieces and nephews, and his dear friend Vicky Bagwell. In his recent struggle with cancer, Larry expressed deep appreciation to the Shannon Medical community, especially those who worked with such dedication to the end of his struggle - Dr. Hume and Dr. Cummings. Larry will be deeply missed but remembered lovingly by so many-a man full of gratitude for a blessed life. Memorial services will be held at the Unity Church, Sunday, October 4, 2015, at 2:30 pm followed by a "Celebration of Life" at 4pm with food, refreshments and music at the Chicken Farm Art Center, 2505 Martin Luther King Blvd. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his name may be made to the Chicken Farm Art Center -Artist Development Fund, or to the cause of your choice.