Russell Eugene Ward, second son of William and Bonnie Ward, was born October 7, 1956 at Coldwater, Kans. He died while serving in a Naval Helicopter Squadron, Sixth Fleet, on the USS San Diego, as a result of a helicopter crash at sea on December 17, 1976.

He graduated from high school from Shawnee Mission West, Overland Park, Kans., in 1974. He joined the Navy in May of 1975 and was assigned duty aboard the USS San Diego after basic training. Russell accepted Christ and the Christian faith at the age of 12 at Airline Christian church in Oklahoma City, Okla.

He leaves to mourn his death, his parents, Bill and Bonnie Ward, Coldwater; two brothers, Steve of Kansas City and Billy of the Coldwater home; two sisters, Regina and Dina, also of the home. One sister-in-law, Ida and a nephew, George, wife and son of Steve. His grandparents, Loyd and Elsie Ward and Clifford Smith, all of Coldwater. Also, a number of uncles, aunts, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Memorial services will be on Thursday, December 23, 1976, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Christian church, Coldwater. Minister, Gib Clark, will officiate and a Naval ceremony will be observed by representatives from the Naval Reserve Center, Wichita, Kans. Memorial gifts may be given to First Christian Church, Coldwater.

USS San Diego (AFS-6) at anchor, date and place unknown.

Thanks to Russell's sister, Deana Ward, for providing this photo to Donna Ward, who forwarded it to Bobbi Huck for use on this web page. Donna noted that Russell was lost at sea when his helicopter went down in the Mediterranian Sea off the Coast of Spain

Thanks also Patricia Snyder for typing the above news article from the Bobbi (Hackney) Huck Clipping Collection for this web site!

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