Date : 15 Jan 1924
Location : Graceland Cemetery, Racine, WI
Howard L. Ward, 2405 East Twentieth street, soldier of the world war; member of the Racine police department, died Jan. 12 in the National Soldiers' Home hospital at Milwaukee, following an illness covering a period of one year.
Mr. Ward was born in Walworth county, Feb. 3, 1898, and when four years old was brought to Racine by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Ward. He attended and was graduated from the Winslow ward school and for a time was employed at the J. I. Case Threshing Machine company's plant.
When the World war broke out, although only 19 years old, he responded to the call. At the time he was located in Texas and went out with Ambulance company No. 5 from San Antonio, enlisting June 13, 1917.
With his company he went overseas and arrived in London, June 16, 1918. It was not long before he with his company were on the battle front and he served in the following engagements: Champagne, Marne defense, Alane-Marne offensive, St. Mihiel offensive, Meuse-Argonne offensive, and others. He also went into Germany with the Army of Occupation and was there from Dec. 1, 1918 to August, 1919, and was cited by Gen. Pershing for bravery while under shell fire. He was honorably discharged from service at Camp Merritt, June 12, 1921. While in service he contracted the flu, from which he never fully recovered.
On Feb. 12, 1921, he became a member of the Racine police department, and for a time served as patrolman and summer before last he was assigned to the motorcycle squad. Nearly a year ago he was granted leave of absence on account of illness. He went to the National Soldiers' Home hospital at Milwaukee, where he underwent on operation and up to the time of his death he had been in the hospital most of the time, but held his position in the police department and was a member of the Policeman's Benevolent association.
Mr. Ward also a member of Racine lodge No. 18, F. & A. M., Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the American Legion Post 76.
There survive him his widow, one daughter, father and mother and two brothers, Myrl E. Ward and Melvin George Ward; also a grandmother.
The body was brought to this city and the funeral will take place Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Thronson Funeral home, and will be in charge of the Masonic fraternity.
Members of the American Legion are requested to meet at the H. & M. Body company's plant at 1:30 tomorrow, attired in uniforms and overcoats, to attend the funeral. A firing squad and bugler will be at the grave to fire a salute and sound taps.
Six members of the police department, with whom he served nearly two years, will act as pallbearers. They are Sergeant Roswell Swan and Patrolmen Earl Olson, J. Arthur Petersen, Sam Nelson, Hilmer Johnson and Lyle George.
Howard L. Ward was a brave and fearless soldier and did not hesitate to offer services and life, if necessary for his country. The fact that he fought on most of the battle fronts while overseas and was cited for bravery by Gen. Pershing, is evidence of his value. He was also a splendid police officer, a good father and husband and a citizen honored by all. The sympathy of the entire city will be extended to his relatives in their irreparable loss.
Racine Journal Times - Jan 14, 1924
