HOWARD – Ward Harris Jr., 100; of Lansing, Kansas; formerly of Howard; died on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020; at Providence Place in Kansas City, Kansas; having lived his life to honor his Savior Jesus Christ.
Ward was born on Oct. 5, 1920; in Charles City, Iowa; the son of Ward and Hilda (Powell) Harris. He graduated from Shell Rock High School in 1937. Ward served with the Army Corps of Engineers (91st Infantry Division) during the Second World War. Ward was born again in the summer of 1946 through the preaching of the gospel of Christ in revival service held by First Baptist Church in Shell Rock, Iowa; under the preaching of Evangelist David Canine. Ward graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 1951 and began missionary service with Baptist Mid-Missions — first, language study in France in 1952 and then on to the Central African Republic (French Equatorial Africa) in 1953, serving there until 1986.
Ward married Sarah Jane Cornett on Jan. 28, 1962.
In 1986, Ward began serving as pastor of Calvary Independent Baptist Church in Moncton, New Brunswick. In 1992, he began a ministry of helping local churches in reaching their communities, and in 1995 he moved to Howard to continue his ministry of helping local churches in evangelistic outreach. Additionally, in 2004, he became a volunteer chaplain for several area hospitals. As age and health no longer permitted Ward to drive, he became an avid prayer warrior for thousands of his fellow men, missionaries and ministries worldwide.
Ward is survived by his wife, Sarah Jane Harris of Lansing, Kansas; his sons, Joel (Julie) Harris of Cary, North Carolina, and Steven (Peggy) Harris of Goshen; his daughters, Esther (Hugh) Talley of Atchison, Kansas, and Beth Anna (Rob) Bousfield of Boise, Idaho; his daughter-in-law, Mala Harris of Michigan; fourteen grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ward and Hilda Harris; his brothers, Bernard Harris and James Harris; his sister, Ladyne Schellhase; and his son, Dr. Philip Harris.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Jan. 7, at Mount Vernon Baptist Temple, 21453 Floralwood Drive, Howard, OH 43028; with a memorial service remembering Ward's life immediately following. Missionary Steven Harris will officiate the services. A graveside service will follow on Friday, Jan. 8, at 10 a.m. in Goshen Cemetery, Spring Street, Goshen, OH 45122.
To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.newcomercolumbus.com.
