Lawrence D. Ward

Lawrence D. Ward, 73, of Watertown, NY, passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Samaritan Medical Center surrounded by his loving family after a sudden illness.

Larry was born on February 26, 1950, in Watertown, the son of Lawrence A. and Doris L. Slate Ward. He graduated from General Brown High School in 1970.  He attended college at JCC and went on to earn his journeyman papers. He was employed for over 30 years at the New York Air Brake Corporation in Watertown as a machinist before retiring.

He was affectionately known as”Bootie” to his family and close friends. He enjoyed talking and telling stories at family gatherings.  He enjoyed bingo, gardening, and feeding the birds and squirrels. He had a love for wildlife of all kinds. He was a Deacon at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Watertown where he considered his fellow parishioners his extended family. He also loved traveling including going on a trip to Israel with his church and Williamstown Kentucky where he visited the ARC encounter with his sister Tiny and her husband John. He was also proud to help his good friend Hal at his laundromat in Philadelphia where he cleaned the facility and fixed the laundry equipment.

Larry was more than a parishioner; he was the heartbeat of the congregation. With a spirit guided by faith, he dedicated countless hours to various ministries, embodying the teachings of love, compassion, and selflessness. Larry’s genuine kindness, warm smile and generous heart endeared him to everyone that was fortunate enough to cross his path.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Johnson Funeral Home, Dexter. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Fellowship Baptist Church, Watertown. A spring burial will take place in Dexter cemetery, Dexter.

Larry is survived: by a sister, Ione (John) Parker, Hudson Florida; two brothers, Craig Ward, Mexico and Paul Ward, Watertown ; nieces and nephews: Jeanne (Michael) Tufo, Watertown, Kelvin Tennant, Gouverneur, and Jacqueline (David) Bush Hudson, Florida; great nephew, Cyrus (Morgan) Beckmann and their children Opal and Onyx, Watertown, cousins, friends, and his congregation at church.

He is predeceased by his parents and his siblings: Jack Tennant, Gerald Tennant, and Darlene Ward and a nephew Cody Tennant.

Donations may be made to the Fellowship Baptist Church Mission Fund 20022 Route NY 3, Watertown, NY 13601 or to the Jefferson County SPCA, 25056 Water St. Watertown, NY 13601.

Online condolences may be made at dexterfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lawrence D. Ward, please visit our floral store.