Paul A. Ward
1945-2026
Paul A.Ward, 80, of Berkeley Springs, W.Va., passed away on Friday, September 4, 2026.
Born in 1945 in Grand Rapids, Mich., he was a son of the late Keith Ward and the late Betty Lou Finkbeiner.
Paul served in the U.S. Army as a Morse Code Interceptor, stationed at bases in both Vietnam and Japan during his time in service. Upon his honorable discharge and return to the US, he began a career in the airline industry, starting as an aircraft marshaller out on the tarmac and later moving inside to become part of a then burgeoning computer programming department. This career trajectory would take Paul to a variety of places and career environments as a Systems Analyst, including the banking and hotel industries, as well as the federal government.
Shortly before retirement, Berkeley Springs, W.Va., became home and a little brick house surrounded by trees and nature was a fitting “last stop” for Paul, who was a country boy at heart.
Throughout his lifetime Paul was a lover of outdoor pursuits, especially fishing and gardening. Always a sports fan, Paul supported his home team (Go Blue!) and his locals. He also enjoyed the occasional chess match, good music, and crossword puzzles – the more challenging, the better!
Paul is survived by his wife, Linda; a daughter, Lisa; a son, Adam; five grandchildren, Amanda, Keara, Ian, Carson and Matthew; and a great-grandchild, Roma; as well as a sister, Pamela; a brother, Lance; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Burial will be private and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution in Paul’s memory to Friends of the Cacapon River (www. cacaponriver.org), an organization dedicated to preserving the river and the local wildlife who depend upon it.
