Marvin A. Ward, 87, of Beallsville passed away peacefully Friday, October 11, 2024, in the home that he loved at his farm surrounded by loved ones.
 He was born July 28, 1937, near Beallsville, a son of the late Ralph and Esther Phillips Ward.
 A 1955 graduate of Beallsville High School, Marvin also attended McKinley Sheet Metal School. He worked in construction and retired from the former ORMET Corporation with 34 years of service. He was also an Army Reservist. Marvin was a 4-H advisor and organized the first Saddle Horse 4-H Club in Monroe County with his wife Betty. He was an original member of Circle M Riding Club, Rolling Hills Horse Exhibitors Association Club, and South Eastern Ohio Horse Exhibitors Association Club where he and Betty showed horses for many years. They were also members of Monroe Misfits Camping Club, with whom they traveled the country enjoying many nights around a campfire with friends. Marvin was an animal lover and he enjoyed polka music. He was a simple man who dedicated his life to his farm and his family.
 In addition to his parents, Marvin was preceded in death by a twin sister and her husband, Marlene and Tom Butts; a brother, Donald Ward; a nephew, Eugene Ward; a niece, Cynthia Ward; grandparents, Harry and Ada Phillips and Richard and Cynthia Ward.
 Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 66 years, Betty Dillon Ward; son, Jay (Beth) Ward; granddaughters, Jaymi (Chris) Smith and Taylor (Travis) Ward; great-granddaughters, Zaleena and Avery; a niece, Vickie Ward; his caretaker, Missy Yoho; and his beloved dog, Buddy.
 Visitation and funeral services were held at Wilson Funeral Home, Harper Chapel, Beallsville. Burial followed in Jerusalem Cemetery.
 Marvin’s family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice for the compassionate care that was shown to him during these last months. In keeping with Marvin’s love of animals, in lieu of flowers and keepsakes, donations may be made to the donor’s favorite animal shelter.
 Offer condolences at www.harperfh.net.