Mr. Larry D. "Papa" Ward, 76, of Edwardsburg, MI, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family following some health issues on Friday, March 12, 2021 at 10:13 am. It is rumored that he accepted the groundskeeping position they had open in Heaven and is now happily mowing the OTHER "perfect" lawn. Larry was born in Peru, IN on August 4, 1944 to the late Harry C. and Mary Francis (Rathje) Ward. On November 11, 1962, he married Marilyn J. Haffner in Peru. She preceded him in death on June 3, 2004.

Surviving Larry are his children Sherri J. Clement and Larry R. "Rich" (Tracy Phend) Ward, both of Edwardsburg; sister Radene Ward of Peru; grandchildren Jeanie (Ryan) Mitchell of Granger, Jessika Clement of Grand Rapids, Ashley (Michael) Goepfrich of Edwardsburg, Lindsay (Ian) Giles of Smithfield, VA and Sarah Ward of Edwardsburg; great grandchildren Evelyn and Levi Mitchell; Larry's sweetheart, companion and significant other, Susan Dock of Edwardsburg; and a host of loving extended family, friends and people that he gave lawn advice to.

Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart is hosting Larry's homegoing celebration on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 with a visitation being held there from 11 am until 2 pm, when a procession will take him to Adamsville Cemetery for a graveside service there. Ryan's Dad, Pastor Ted Mitchell, will officiate the service and burial will follow.

Larry worked many years in sales and purchasing in the local RV industry. However, his heart would always remain outdoors, and he relished the moments when he could be close to his beloved nature. He loved to hunt and fish, but when he wasn't in a tree stand or casting a line, you'd probably find him and the family on Mackinac Island or further up "nort" or in The Dells. He was also an avid gardener and grew the best zucchini on this side of Cassopolis.

It was successfully argued that Larry also had a bit of an OCD streak, as it was agreed by all that Larry had a place for everything, and that you were always free to borrow it. However, when you were done, if said particular item didn't make it back to it's exact previous location, you would be thoroughly schooled on the philosophy of "everything in it's place". This perfection also spilled over onto his lawn, which sported clean, precise, evenly-spaced reverse cuts, perfectly manicured bushes and edges, and the lushest grass you'd ever want to tingle your toes on. To many, perhaps this was an obsession; to Larry, it was a labor of love that gave him a great sense of joy and pride. But if you came over to visit, just make sure you didn't let your tire drift off too far onto his grass!

Larry loved his family dearly and expressed his love by good natured teasing. If Larry wound up giving you "the business", it meant he liked you. He enjoyed classic cars, hot rods and classic westerns, because again, rumor has it that Larry always wanted to be a cowboy growing up. We applaud him for never losing the "kid" inside.

Yippee-ki-yay, Larry.

Memorial donations made in Larry's memory may be given to the charity of one's choice.