Harold L. “Lefty” Ward, age 94 of Clinton, passed away Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at the Alverno. A Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 AM on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at Immaculate Conception Church in Fulton. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 PM Wednesday at the Pape Funeral Home. Burial will be in Erie Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his grandsons.
Lefty was born in Macomb, IL February 18, 1929, the only child of Harold and Doris (Thompson) Ward. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1947, where he participated and lettered in football and track. He ran at the Drake relays and held the Iowa State record in the high hurdles for several years. While still in high school, he played baseball in the Industrial League as a first baseman and pitcher. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs out of high school and he played in their minor league system. He served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Lefty married Clevetta Andrews on October 6, 1956 at the St. Mary’s Rectory. Lefty worked as a carpenter for 50 years and retired from Ringland Johnson in 1995. After retiring, he continued to use his carpentry skills making furniture and remodeling homes for his children, grandchildren and friends. He poured concrete well into his late 80’s with his fellow “Geritol Gang” members.
Lefty was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, the Loyal Order of Moose, the former Odeon Club, and a lifetime member of the AMVETS. He served on the Board of Directors of the Clinton Baseball Club, ran a Saturday morning woodshop at the YMCA, was on the Clinton High Football chain gang for over 50 years and helped coach (and sometimes played with) the River City Mudcats. He played baseball into his 60’s. He was an avid model train enthusiast and shared his love of trains with his grandchildren. Lefty enjoyed attending his grandkids school and sporting activities, traveling with his family, spending time on the beach, going to spring training baseball games and quiet times at the New Melleray Abbey with his daughter Theresa. He was a positive influence for many young men in our community and their lives were enriched by knowing him. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Lefty was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinal fan.
Lefty is survived by his wife of 66 years Clevetta; a daughter, Dorothy (Mark) Anderson-Arlen; 2 sons, David (Dawn Eagle) Ward of Savanna and Kenneth (Myra) Ward of Conover, NC; 9 grandchildren, Sarah, Brian, Luc, John, Leslie, Laura, Andrew, Taylor, and Shane; 2 step-grandchildren, Jordan and Talitha, and 18 great grandchildren with another one on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Theresa Soesbe, and 2 granddaughters, Amanda and Allyson. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.