Arthur A. Ward, was born April 18, 1953 in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. He was the son of the late Dea. Charles Ward and Justine Green Ward.  Arthur was also known as Rashad Akbar.

He received his education in the Coatesville Area School Public Schools. He was the husband of Gwendolyn Oglesby Ward with whom he shared 27 years. He was the father of five children: Artissha, Rasheeda, Rashad, Raheem and Rakeem.

Rashad was a dedicated member of the Masjid Muslim Center in Detroit,Michigan. He enjoyed long distance running, playing tennis and boxing. He was an avid basketball fan. He also enjoyed weightlifting, working out in his gym.  He enjoyed building things and was skilled at working with his hands.

Rashad departed this life on Christmas morning, December 25, 2015.  He was preceded in death by one son, Raheem Akbar; two brothers, Tyrone Ward, Donald Ward; and one sister, Gloria Jean Ward.

He leaves his wife, Gwendolyn Ward of Coatesville, PA; one daughter, Artissha (Michael) Graves of Lathrup Village, MI, Rasheeda Akbar of Coatesville, PA; two sons, Rashad Akbar of East Point, MI, Rakeem Akbar of Coatesville, PA; three brothers, Arnold Ward, Charles H. "Buster" Ward and his wife Shirley, Charles A. Ward and his wife Vineya all of Coatesville, PA; He also leaves Barbara Cornish Ward and Lorraine V. Ward, 5 grandchildren; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.

Rashad will be greatly missed.  Though his presence is gone, his memory will be cherished in our hearts.