DATE: Thursday, September 18, 1997          TAG: 9709180250
SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B8   EDITION: FINAL 

DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH                    LENGTH:   35 lines

CHARLES W. WARD

Capt. Charles William Ward died suddenly Sunday, Sept. 14, 1997.

He was born on Jan. 17, 1918, in Brooklyn, N.Y., and was brought up on Long Island, N.Y. A graduate of Hofstra University, Capt. Ward held a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's degree in education. During his college years, Capt. Ward played bass fiddle with Tommy Dorsey's band, Paul Whiteman's band and the Harry James band.

After attending OCS, Capt. Ward began his distinguished Naval career. He was a veteran of World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars and during his career had six at-sea commands. One of Capt. Ward's many achievements was his role in the design of the Aegis Program which is exhibited at Nauticus in Norfolk. Capt. Ward retired from the U.S. Navy in 1972.

He was an avid fisherman and gardener and was well-known in the Virginia Beach area for his generosity, warmth and love of people of all ages. Besides his recreational activities, Capt. Ward was deeply involved in the Coalition Against Ocean Dumping and spent many years traveling the Eastern coast speaking to numerous groups about the dangers of ocean pollution and the poisoning of fish. As a gardener, Capt. Ward grew everything from tomatoes to orchids, but he was famous for his hundreds of chile peppers from all over the world. He was one of the founders of the Chile Pepper Club of Virginia Beach and Norfolk.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Caroline L. Ward; a daughter, Susan L. Ward of San Diego, Calif.; and a son, Charles G. Ward of Austin, Texas; and two grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to your favorite charity. Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday in Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base Chapel. KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY

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