VERO BEACH – William Frank Ward, 82, passed away on Jan. 8, 2018, with his family in Vero Beach. He was born on July 5, 1935, in Little Rock, Ark., to William Ward and Ruth Thomas Ward.
Frank grew up in Little Rock and moved to Eldon, Iowa, where he lived until he was an adult. He graduated from Iowa State (BA), University of Illinois (MA), and received his PhD from Florida State University in Mathematics Education and Statistics.
Frank started his college teaching career at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Ill., and retired from his career after 40 years as a mathematics professor at Indian River State College. Frank was a member of St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach.
Frank was first and foremost a lifelong educator with the deepest love and commitment to his family, friends and the students he impacted. He was a man of strong faith sharing a kind heart and positive light with all he met.
Frank was an avid golfer, enjoyed cycling, loved his Eldon roots, and cherished every moment with his only grandson, Jacob.
Frank received numerous educational awards over his lifetime, was the recipient of several National Science Foundation Grants, Mathematics Department Chairman, and authored mathematics textbook materials to support students struggling to learn mathematics.
Frank was preceded in death by his son, William Frank Ward, III.
Frank is survived by his wife, Lee Ann Ward; daughter, Paige Jerome (Craig); grandson, Jacob Andrew Smith, all of Vero Beach, Florida; sister, Mary Anne Philips of Eldon, Iowa.
Memories of Frank will be cherished by relatives, friends and students throughout Florida, Iowa, and Arkansas.
Services: Visitation will be held Sunday, Jan. 14, from 3 to 5 p.m. with a Wake at 4 p.m. at Haisley Funeral Home, Fort Pierce, Fla. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Jan. 15, at 11 a.m. at St. John of the Cross in Vero Beach.
Burial will follow at St. Vincent’s Catholic Cemetery in Rogers, Ark. Frank will be buried alongside his son, William Frank Ward III.
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