Claude Lee Ward, 94, U.S. Army retired, of Newport News, passed peacefully in his sleep and went to be with the Lord on November 24, 2024, at which time he was reunited with his wife (Ma) and son Steve.

Born and raised in Slaton, Texas, Claude {Pa) and his family had lived in Virginia since 1968. Claude was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife Wanda Joyce (Sexton) Ward, and by his son, Steven Lee Ward. Claude is survived by his son, Stan Ward (wife Judy), and by Steve's widow, Mary C. Ward, and also by grandchildren Kristi Stalls (Dwight), and Daniel Ward, and Nicole Ward, and Matthew Ward (Miriam), as well as by by 6 great grandchildren: Sierra, Colton, Jacob, Cheyanne, Alexis, and Austin.

Before being drafted by the Army, Claude worked for the Santa Fe railroad in Texas. While serving in the Army as a marine engineer, he served in numerous locations including France, Korea, Viet Nam (8 Service Stars), and Okinawa. After his retirement from the Army, he worked for the Jamestown Ferry, the C&O Railroad, and the Department of Defense as a civilian.

The family wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the staff of the Walter Reed Convalescent and Rehabilitation Facility in Gloucester.

A private family graveside funeral, with Military Honors, will be held at a later date in order to accommodate the scheduling of military funerals. The family requests that any tributes or memorials be via donations to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), or the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).