Charles W. "Bill" Ward, 57, St. Marys, OH died 8:58 a.m. Tuesday July 18, 2017 in the emergency department of Mercer Co. Community Hospital in Coldwater, OH., from injuries sustained in a semi-truck accident in Mercer Co.

He was born April 29, 1960 in Celina, OH to Charles "Red" and Joyce (Coats) Ward. On September 12, 1981 in St. Marys, OH he married Teena McEldowney, who survives.

He is also survived by: sister Vickie Gossard of Wabash, OH; sister Karla (Roger) Endicott of Celina, OH; sister Veronica (Jerry) Burk of Wabash, OH; brother Carl (Bev) Ward of Troy, OH; sister Kathleen (Tony) Black of Willshire, OH; brother Tim Ward of Celina, OH; father-in-law Jerry McEldowney, Sr. of St. Marys, OH; brother-in-law Jerry (Peg) McEldowney, Jr. of Wapakoneta, OH; brother-in-law Dale (Donna) McEldowney of St. Marys, OH; brother-in-law Craig McEldowney of St. Marys, OH; sister-in-law Bev (Mike) Whitaker of St. Marys, OH; sister-in-law Teresa (Don) Henning of St. Marys, OH; sister-in-law Dana McEldowney of Albany, IN; numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by: parents Charles "Red" and Joyce Ward; infant brother Peter Ward; paternal grandparents Charles and Alice (Cotterman) Ward, Sr.; maternal grandparents Howard and Mildred Coats; aunt Amber Baird; uncle Denny (Kathy) Ward; mother-in-law Barbara McEldowney; brother-in-law Scott McEldowney.

He was employed as a driver for Brookside Trucking in Maria Stein, OH and for Ohio Recycling in Chickasaw, OH. He also previously worked for the former Ayers Asphalt & Paving Co. in Celina.

Bill was a loving husband and "Uncle Bill" was adored by his nieces and nephews. An avid race fan, he enjoyed driving modified race cars (#3 M) at area tracks. Above all, he took great delight in spending time with his loved ones.

Rites are scheduled to begin 11:00 a.m. Saturday July 22, 2017 at Miller Funeral Home 1605 Celina Road (Ohio 703 West Chapel) in St. Marys. Evangelist Patrick Bayman will officiate the services. Burial will follow at the Gethsemane Cemetery in St. Marys.

Visitation 2-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home on Ohio 703 West.

Condolences may be expressed to his family via: www.millerfuneralhomes.net.