ROBERT B. WARD

CLINTON, Mass. – Robert B. Ward, 61, of 24 Water St., formerly of Townsend, Mass., died Friday, Oct. 24, 2008, at Clinton Hospital from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Robert was born in Belfast, to the late John E. and Grace (Thomas) Ward. He was a graduate of Belfast High School, Class of 1966 and obtained a Bachelor of Religious Education degree from Glen Cove Bible College. Upon relocating to Townsend, Mass., Bob began employment for the North Middlesex Regional School District. For nearly 25 years he served as custodian to Spalding Memorial School, retiring 12 years ago. He was a former member of First Baptist Church of West Townsend and Fitchburg Church of the Nazarene, and was an active member of First Baptist Church, Clinton, Mass. Bob enjoyed playing cards with friends, bringing great joy and laughter to his family and all who had the pleasure to have known him. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 40 years, Shirley A. (Lowd) Ward; two sons, Eric J. Ward and his wife, Kimberly, of Ashby, Mass., and Daniel E. Ward and his wife, Christa, of Townsend, Mass.; and a daughter, Melody S. Cotter and her husband, Christopher, of Townsend, Mass. He leaves three sisters, Beverly Walsh of Orland Park, Ill., Alta Westover of Belfast and Laurie Ward of Morrill; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth and Ethan Ward, Brytney, Zachery and Noah McDonald, Lukas Ward and Ashley Cotter; along with several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Louise A. Ward of Gardner, Mass.; and his stepfather, Ralph E. Knight of Northport. Calling hours are to be held 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, at Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home, 176 Water St., Clinton, Mass. A funeral service is to be held 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 3, at First Baptist Church, 14 Walnut St., Clinton, Mass. Burial will be afterward at Eastwood Cemetery, Lancaster, Mass. Online condolences may be placed at www.philbincomeaufh.com.