Harry Parker Ward - Stork-Morley Funeral and Cremation Services

Harry Parker Ward, 86, a 38-year resident of Ridgefield, CT died at his home in Erie, Colorado on December 12.

Born in Muskogee, OK on June 14, 1924 to the late Roberta Kyle Ward Smith and Harry Parker Ward, Sr., Parker's early education was in Oklahoma. During the depression, his family relocated to Washington, DC where he was a proud Boy Scout. He graduated from Eastern High School in DC in 1942.

In 1943, he joined the U.S. Army. In 1944, he completed pilot training in the Army Air Corps and received his wings as a Second Lieutenant. He became a flight instructor, and then a flight engineer on the B-29 bomber. He retired from the United States Air Force Reserves in 1967 as a Major. As a civilian, he continued to enjoy flying, and owned and flew his own airplane.

His career with Continental Banking Company spanned 38 years. He started as a shift mechanic in their Dallas, TX bakery while attending Southern Methodist University's School of Engineering, and retired in 1985 as the Director of Cake Engineering (Hostess Cakes) at the company's general office, then located in Rye, NY. Upon retirement from CBC, he began working as an engineering consultant to the baking industry.

While living in Ridgefield, he was a member of the Board of Directors of the Rainbow Lake Association for many years. He also served the community as a Meals on Wheels driver, and a Red Cross blood donor who was recognized by the Red Cross for his many donations of blood over the years.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years Ann (McCrory) Ward and daughters Cynthia Ward (William Noonan) of Broomfield, CO, and Pamela Ward Sturm (Christopher) of Portland, OR and his beloved grandchildren Kyla and Ella Sturm and Shamus Noonan. He is also survived by his sisters Carolyn White, and Lorraine Hunter (David) both of Brevard, NC, and many nieces and nephews.

He was a lover of family, nature, animals, a wide range of music, the Rainbow Lake community in Ridgefield, stories, and his fellow man. A very favorite quote was by Abraham Lincoln, "I don't like that man. I must get to know him better."

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in Parker's memory be made to Rainbow Lake Association Improvement Fund, c/o RLA, 27 Lake Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877.

Copy of Connecticut obituary click here: www.acorn-online.com/joomla15/theridgefieldpress/news/obituaries/79837-parker-ward-86-baking-engineer-active-in-ridgefield.html