Obituary of Bennie L. Ward

Bennie Leroy Ward, 62, of North Liberty, Iowa entered through the heavenly gates on April 26, 2021. He died peacefully at the Hospice Care Unit of Unity Point Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Henry P. Ward and Mildred Imogene (Aldridge) Ward of Brush Hills, Oklahoma and also a precious two year old granddaughter, Avery Marilyn Flick. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Cynthia (Leu) Ward of North Liberty, his daughter Heidi Flick (Justin) of Tiffin, Iowa, his son, Benjamin Ward (Kristina) of Independence, Iowa, and seven grandchildren, Kaleb, Payton, Kypton, Wyatt, Avery, Paisley and Asher. Ben was an avid fisherman and always said he felt closest to God on the water. He adored all of his grandkids and loved taking them fishing whenever he could. He enjoyed building, flying (often crashing) his RC airplanes. He liked all kinds of woodworking from small projects to furniture building. He also loved his Oklahoma Sooners football team and followed them faithfully on TV, even making it to the Fiesta Bowl to watch them play one year. He saw Iowa Hawkeye fans there in the stadium from a previous game and was frustrated to see them at his beloved Sooners territory. We were a house divided when Iowa and Oklahoma played the same day and had to find separate rooms to watch our games on. His career in the material handling business got him to the highest paid technician in his field over the years at Allied Handling Equipment Company based out of Ankeny, Iowa. He enjoyed the challenge of his work and had an innate sense of knowing how to repair almost anything you gave him. As a Christian man, Ben strived to live a humble life but he knew he often faltered and he also knew Christ was the only perfect man who ever lived. He tried to evangelize anyone that he came into contact with, whether it was his many caregivers at his hospital stays or anyone else who wanted to listen to his story. He loved his God first, then his wife and family and did all he could for friends and people in the community who needed a hand up in life. His celebration of life service will be held at Harvest City Church, 2251 1st Ave. Coralville, Iowa 52241, on May 8th, 2021 at 11am. It is planned as an outdoor service but in case of rain will move indoors. A luncheon will follow. Ben has requested that anyone who really cares about him will wear their Sooners apparel and that if you need to borrow any items his wife has plenty to share. Of course his wife Cindy will not be upset if Iowa clothing is worn instead. Family, friends, and anyone who crossed paths with Ben in his life is welcome. Memorials may be left to his wife and also the Children’s Cancer Connection of DesMoines, Iowa in honor of his granddaughter Avery. Online condolences may be sent to his family through the web at www.gayandciha.com.