Timothy Ward

Timothy Arville Ward, 66, passed away on October 30, 2024, after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born on July 26, 1958, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and grew up in Delphos, Ohio, where his passion for astronomy began.

After graduating from high school, Tim enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Skipjack. On one memorable occasion, when the submarine's navigation systems failed, Tim convinced the captain to surface so he could use the stars to determine their location. Upon doing so, he quickly realized they were about to leave international waters and enter Turkish territory, prompting an immediate course correction.

Tim was a proud graduate of The Ohio State University, and throughout his life, he explored many different careers. He began his public service career as a Page at the Statehouse, later becoming the Mayor of Hilliard, Ohio, from 2000 to 2003. He later transitioned into house remodeling and earned his real estate license before returning to his political roots. For nearly 15 years, he served as Director of the Board of Elections for Madison County, where he was deeply involved in the Ohio Association of Election Officials, serving as a member starting in 2007 and eventually becoming President in 2019. He was also Secretary of the Madison County Republican Central Committee for over nine years.

In 2020, after retiring to enjoy a year of golf and travel, Tim was drawn back to public service, this time as Chief Policy Officer for the Ohio Industrial Commission.

Tim's commitment to public service extended beyond politics—he was also deeply involved in Freemasonry and the Shriners. He served as a two-time Past Master of Capital City Lodge, District Education Officer, and District Deputy Grand Master of the 14th Masonic District. He was a Sovereign Prince of the Franklin Council of Princes of Jerusalem and earned the distinction of 33° Mason, becoming an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council in 2015. Tim's most cherished role was serving as Grand Chaplain of The Grand Lodge of Ohio in 2022, where he loved traveling the state with his friends and fellow Masons.

Tim is survived by his beloved wife of over 30 years, Christina; his daughter, Ellie; his sisters, Laura Ward and Cathy (Jim) Fox; and his treasured companions, his grandpup Teddy and his new kitten, Tolkien.

Visitation and Services: Calling hours will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tidd Funeral Home, 9720 OH-161, Plain City, OH 43064. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at the same location.

For those who shared in his Masonic journey, a Masonic Funeral Service will be held at Northwest Masonic Temple, 2436 W Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43235, on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 4:30 p.m.