Larry Douglas Ward

Larry Douglas Ward, 79, received his ultimate healing on July 14, 2026. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 21 from 12pm-2pm at Chaddick Funeral Home. Celebration of Life service will be Tuesday, July 21 at 2pm at Chaddick Funeral Home. Rev. Kermit Bostelman will officiate.

Affectionately known as “Uncle Larry,” Larry was born on March 1, 1947, in Westminster, Maryland, to Christie Ward.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Christie Ward Oetter; his sister, Sharon Gregorowicz; his brother, Denny Oetter; and his sister-in-law, Kim Oetter.

Larry is survived by his brothers, Charles Oetter Jr. and Jeffery Oetter; his nephews, Charles Oetter III, Simon Oetter, Samuel (Dorothy) Oetter, John Gregorowicz Jr., Mathew Gregorowicz, and Julian Oetter; and his nieces, Sarah (Aaron) Johnston and Jessica Oetter. He is also survived by five great-nieces and great-nephews: Jonas, Stella, Logan, Amelia, and Declan Oetter.

Uncle Larry was a proud Vietnam veteran who devoted more than two decades of his life to serving his country in both the United States Army and United States Navy. His military career took him around the world, including service in Vietnam, Okinawa, Korea, Hawaii, Portugal, Midway Island, and aboard the USS Independence (CV-62). Among his many honors were two Silver Stars, four Purple Hearts, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He retired after a distinguished career marked by courage, sacrifice, and faithful service to his country.

Following his military service, Larry was also honored by the Naval Base Police Department at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for his untiring and faithful service.

To his family, however, Larry’s greatest title was simply “Uncle Larry.” Behind the uniform, medals, and distinguished record of service was a beloved brother, uncle, and great-uncle whose presence became a lasting part of his family’s story.

Uncle Larry will be remembered for his war stories, his unique sense of humor, the love he had for his dog Izzy, and his fondness for a baked potato from Fausto's. Uncle Larry made friends wherever he went and never met a stranger. He will be truly missed by so many.