Click to View Live Stream: Passcode Cunningham
It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Larry Gene Ward who passed away unexpectedly on November 4, 2021. A beloved father, husband, and brother, Larry was also a recognized attorney and a fixture in his community. Larry is survived by his wife, Earlene, and his two daughters Miya and Adia.
A transplant to the D.C. metro area, Larry was born on November 16, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, to Dorothy Mae Otkins and William Ward, Sr. He was the second of four siblings and attended grade school at Shepherd Elementary School, Hess Middle School, and Proviso East High School, at which he formed lifelong friendships. Coming of age during the civil rights movement, he went on to earn his bachelor of arts in history at Roosevelt University and a juris doctor from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with the intention of becoming a civil rights attorney. He ultimately achieved his goal after getting a job in the civil rights division of the Department of Justice (DOJ) shortly after graduating from law school. He went on to work in the division for over three decades and under six presidents. Not wanting to give up his lifelong love of the law for retirement, he went on to serve as general attorney at the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (CSOSA) and continued taking on civil rights employment cases under his own firm shortly thereafter.
Those who knew Larry recall him having a gregarious personality, as well as an open heart and a kind soul. A pillar of his community, he was a member of his neighborhood’s citizens association and even served as President of the PTA during his daughters’ time in grade school. He enjoyed rooting for the Wisconsin Badgers, engaging in the local food scene, and vacationing on the shores of Virginia Beach with his family. Larry will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
The family will receive friends at the Cunningham Turch Funeral Home, 811 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 on Friday November 12, 2021 from 11:00 AM until the time of his Life Celebration at 12 Noon. Interment will follow at Ivy Hill Cemetery following the service at the funeral home.
A Repast will follow at the funeral home following the graveside service.
811 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
11/12/2021
11:00am - 12:00pm
To my dearest Earlene and family.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Please remember that I am always available for you when you need me.
You share many wonderful memories of Larry which I know will help lessen the pain. Remember he is with the Lord now, and not hurting. May the Lord give you strength and keep you safe as you try to manage this challenging period.
May Larry’s soul rest in peace.
Lots of Love and Prayers
Shurnett
My sincere condolences to the Ward family on the passing of Larry. I knew Larry through our work at the Justice Department. He was a highly skilled and dedicated attorney in the Civil Rights Division. He was just so brilliant and generous with his time and legal talent. He vigorously advocated for victims of discrimination and strategically and masterfully handled all investigations, litigation, and negotiations. He was also a valued mentor to so many. He advocated especially for the professional advancement of black attorneys at the Department. He sought diversity, equity and inclusion policies and practices at the Department and the Civil Rights Division many years before these practices were fully understood and appreciated as they increasingly are today. He was a true visionary. He will be missed by me and all who knew him in the Civil Rights Division.
Dear Earlene and family,
We were deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of your husband, Larry. We are praying for your strength and God’s comfort during this difficult time. His dedicated work ethic and kind spirit will be remembered by the many lives that he touched over the years.
He will be greatly missed. May he Rest in Heaven.
Sincerely,
The Campbell family
Donald and Doris Pailen extend heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Larry Ward. Larry was a colleague and friend at DOJCRD fir many years. I shall remember him as a hard working attorney and very personable individual. We pray God’s comfort and peace for his wife, Earlene, his daughters, and all of his friends and family. Larry will be missed by many.
Donald and Doris Pailen extend condolences to the family of Larry Ward. Larry was a colleague and friend at the DOJCRD. He was a hard worker with a very engaging personality. He will be missed. I pray God’s comfort be extended in double portion to his wife, Earlene, his daughters and loved ones.
Adiay prayers are with you and your family. I pray that God will give you the peace that surpasses all understanding….God br with you and the family!!!
I was riding in the beck seat of Earl’s car; Larry was in the front with Earl. It was fascinating to listen to the conviviality with which the two brothers argued a point. It was clear that they always had an easy way of debating a point. I had hoped to see Larry again this November. I can only say to his wife and family that Larry reached a wide ranging group of people We all miss him. Jim Simmons (Atlanta, GA) .
Dear Neighbots,
Expressing my very deepest condolences to Larry’s family.
I will miss our backyard chats.
No one could ask for a better neighbor, thoughtful and kind!
RIP
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this painful time. I always enjoyed the many Thanksgivings’ the family shared together.
I will alway remember and miss our long enlightening conversations.
Growing up you were always soft spoken and diplomatic, never losing your calm exterior.
I wish I could have been more like you.
You touched and helped many people in your in your life. We will always carry your memories in our hearts.
I am so sorry for your loss. When I met Larry at CSOSA, we immediately hit it off. Of course, Larry felt the need to take a younger lawyer under his wing to mentor. We didn’t just talk about the law, although we did that plenty, he loved talking to me about the Big Ten. He was a Wisconsin graduate, and I hailed from Michigan as a Wolverine. I am pretty sure Larry was more excited about me having gone to Michigan than even I was – and dare I say, even proud as though I was his son. Larry has departed this world, but I can assure you, he is in heaven talking to someone about what’s going to happen with the Big Ten at the end of the season. Tonight we have another bright star in the sky.
Rorey