Thomas “Pops” Ward, 77, a lifelong resident of Fox Lake, peacefully passed away Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Advocate Condell Medical Center, Libertyville.  He was born in Evanston, December 19, 1946, to the late Thomas Henderson Ward VII and Victoria “Vickie” (nee Freeder) Ward.

Pops was a 1965 graduate of Grant Community High School. He was drafted in September of 1966 and honorably served in the Army during the Vietnam War from 1966-1968.  During the war, he was a door gunner on a helicopter and participated in 25 aerial missions over hostile territory while supporting Green Beret ground forces.  He worked as a union driver for Acme Brick & Supply Co., Waukegan.

Pops volunteered for American Legion Post 703 Fox Lake—serving as past Post Commander and bartender; and volunteered and was a member of the Fox Lake Volunteer Fire Department Social Club.  He enjoyed working and spending time in his yard, swimming in his pool, tanning, golfing, and crossword puzzles.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Lane (nee Chadwick); son, Thomas H. “Tommy” (Debbie) Ward; granddaughters, Peyton, Riley, and Morgan Ward; niece, Marcey (Butch) Senkiw; nephews, William (April) Graves and Mike Ward, Jr.; brothers-in-law, Steve, Choyce (Joyce), and Jim Chadwick; sister-in-law, Pat (Gary) Ewing; and many extended family members and friends.

In addition to his parents, Pops was preceded in death by his siblings, Sharon Graves and Mike Ward.

Memorial visitation Saturday, October 19, from 2 p.m. until the time of Army Honors at 6 p.m., at Hamsher Lakeside Funerals & Cremations, 12 N. Pistakee Lake Rd., Fox Lake.  Interment will be private in Fort Sheridan National Cemetery, Lake Bluff.