Obituary: Terry Joe Ward
The world became brighter on May 23, 1937, the day Terry Joe Ward was born in Saginaw, Michigan to Harold and Arlene (Schnetzler) Ward. Terry was one of eleven children. Terry passed quietly on April 6,2024 after a long and happy life.
Terry moved to Stockbridge, Michigan in 1952 where he met the love of his life of 67 years, Phyllis Wilde. Terry’s family owned the Ward Feed Store, where he worked along with his siblings through high school. Terry was very involved in the Stockbridge community, where they raised their four children. He served on the Stockbridge Town Council and was a member of the Jaycees. Many fall Friday nights you would find him in the booth at the football field, running the clock for the football games. Terry retired after a long career with Michigan Bell Telephone, where he started out as a lineman and worked his way up to an engineer, without a college degree. He and Phyllis loved to travel and spent many winters in Arizona. Their travels took them all across the United States and Europe but their fondest memories were of family vacations at Big Twin Lake, Mi. He was an outstanding athlete and an avid sports fan (Go Blue). He lettered in 3 sports, football, basketball and baseball, all four years of high school. Everyone who knew Terry, knew he had quite the sense of humor and he was extremely competitive. His competitive spirit flourished as he enjoyed golf and all outdoor sports and activities. He especially loved playing cards and board games with family and friends.
Terry is survived by his loving wife, sisters Joan Bumpus and Mary Curtis, sons Doug (Barbel), Daniel (Robin), daughter Lisa Seiferth (Kurt), son Terry (Sherry), ten grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.
Terry will be remembered for his loving, kind and compassionate nature, and his complete love and devotion to his family. Terry was the best husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He will be missed by his family and friends.
A celebration of Terry’s life will be held Saturday, June 29,2024, from 1:00-5:00p.m. at the Mackinder-Glenn American Legion Post 510,830 S. Clinton Street, Stockbridge, Mi.
Expression of sympathy may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
