It is with great sadness and much love that the family of John Omar Ward, Sr., 93, of Newport, Vermont, says goodbye to our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

John passed on December 23, 2023, at North Country Hospital, in Newport. He was born on September 10, 1930, in Manchester, New Hampshire. He grew up in Newport and graduated from Newport High School, where he played football.

John met the love of his love, Sylvia May Wood, while working on a farm in Newport Center. After a brief, but meaningful courtship, they knew they were meant to be, and married in 1950. Together, they settled in Newport, raising 7 children and sharing 73 long and love-filled years.

John served in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. He spent 37 years working at Butterfield's (now Tivoly Inc.), located in Derby Line. Despite putting in many hours of his day at Butterfield's and other jobs, John prioritized spending time with his family. He held an unwavering commitment and devotion to his family, making time to coach his children's baseball teams and serving as a commissioner for the local Little League. John was generous with his support and advice, often being sought out for his hard-earned wisdom and perspective. John was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. He was also an avid bowler and active gardener throughout his many years with Sylvia.

John is survived by his wife, Sylvia Ward; his children: John Jr. and Diane Ward, Gary and Susan Ward, Norman Ward, Jeffrey and Cheryl Ward, Alan and Dulcinea Ward, Susan (Ward) Morin, and Ronald and Debra Ward; two brothers: Bruce and Douglas; one sister, Lucille; thirteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and many beloved relatives.

A funeral service will be held at the United Church of Newport on Friday December 29, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. with the Rev. Peter Hammond officiating. Friends may call at the Church on Friday December 29,2023 from Noon until the hour of the funeral.  Later interment will take place at the West Charleston Cemetery in West Charleston, Vermont. If friends and loved ones wish, they can make a donation to Orleans Essex Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, Vermont  05855. On-line condolences at curtis-britch.com.  Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home, & Cremation Service, locally family owned and operated.