Heman M. Ward, of Vero Beach, passed away on Nov. 9, 2015.
He was the beloved husband of Joanne Briggs Ward. He was the devoted father of Karen W. Litchfield, Kathryn W. Bader and Heman Clifford Ward. The brother of William E. Ward, and grandfather of Jonathan H. Litchfield, Patricia Woolard, Christine Bresky, Kimberly Bader, Travis Bader, Colby Ward, Curtis Ward, and Christopher Ward.
Heman was an R.O.T.C. member at the University of Maryland where he received his engineering degree. Following college Heman served as a first lieutenant in the United States Air Force in Limestone, Maine.
During a weekend leave in his home town, he met his beautiful and loving wife of nearly 60 years, Joanne Briggs. They married after his service was complete, and Heman became a builder and real estate developer in Washington D.C. His construction company worked on the Jefferson Memorial, White House, and bridges in the D.C. area. He also served as Director of the National Capital Bank of Washington for 50 years.
Heman was a wonderful and loving husband and father. He lived life to the fullest and touched many lives with his impressive, self-reliant, and friendly personality while exhibiting amazing loyalty to his friends in both Rockville, Md., and Vero Beach. He loved his family deeply and enjoyed weekends together in southern Maryland boating, fishing, and crabbing on the Potomac and Chesapeake Rivers.
He was always active with various house projects whether building from the ground up or adding additions to his homes. His hobbies were numerous. His passion for taking art classes and learning to paint pictures led to exhibitions of his numerous watercolors and oil paintings along with donations of paintings to John’s Island for charity. Gardening became a hobby later that included flowers, vegetables and even pumpkins.
Heman also really enjoyed playing golf and tennis. He loved golf competitions or just quiet rounds with friends and family. Travel intrigued Heman because it provided new golf courses to play or inspirations for his next painting.
The family will receive friends at Joseph Gawler’s Sons 5130 Wisconsin Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015 from 3 to 6 p.m. Services will be held at the Faith Methodist Church 6810 Montrose Road Rockville, Md., on Monday, Nov. 16, 2015 at 11 a.m. Interment to take place at Parklawn Memorial Park Rockville, Md.
Memorial contributions in Heman Ward’s name may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 216 W. Market Street Suite B Greensboro, North Carolina 27401.
