Charles Herbert Ward

Charles Herbert Ward, 77, of Coatesville went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 21, 2020, at Paoli Hospital. Born in Coatesville, “Buster” as he was known by family and friends was one of six children born to the late Charles and Justine Green Ward.  He was the husband of Shirley Ann Tucker Ward with whom he shared 56 years of marriage.

Everyone always wondered how he got the name of “Buster”. When he was very young, he had to wear Buster Brown shoes, so now you know.

Charles received his early education from the Coatesville Area School District. He was a 1962 graduate of S. Horace Scott Senior High School. Buster excelled in track and he won lots of medals. His favorite being the 100-yard dash.  He and three others broke the state record in the 100x400 relays.  In 1963, Charles was the first African American to graduate from the first Physician’s Assistant Program in Pennsylvania held at the former Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.

He was employed as a Senior Physician’s Assistant at the Coatesville VA Medical Center for 36 years until he retired.  For a short period he worked at Lukens Steel Company, Coatesville, and The Green Street Clinic in Philadelphia.

Buster was a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Coatesville where he served as a Trustee and an Usher. He also served in the Ambassadors Ministry, the Nurse’s Unit and Search Committee.

Buster received the following awards: Physician Assistant Distinguished Alumni Award 5/20/2017

                                                             Disabled American Veterans Award 9/22/1986

                                                             VA Medical Center Employee of the Month 5/1982

                                                             The Chapel of Four Chaplains Legion Honor Award

Back in the day he coached young children at the Coatesville Community Center in basketball. Most recently he mentored middle school boys in a program called “BOYS”.

He enjoyed traveling especially going to Disney World taking the children, grandchildren family and friends, going on ocean cruises, playing pinochle, watching old western movies, and going deep-sea fishing.  He would bring home the fish he caught and his wife Shirley would clean and cook them. He always said I caught them, it’s her job to clean them.

Charles loved watching sports and was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and the Philadelphia 76er’s. Most of all he enjoyed chicken noodle soup, spaghetti #9, the yearly family reunions and spending time with his granddaughters who affectionately called him Pop-Pop. Buster had many friends and there are lots of “Buster” or Charlie Ward stories. He was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Buster will leave many memories to his wife, Shirley Ward; sons, Todd Christopher Ward (Octavia) of Coatesville, PA; Brian Christopher Ward of Coatesville, brothers, Arnold J. Ward of Coatesville, Charles Anthony Ward of Georgia; granddaughters, Jadean Ward of Royersford, PA and Brittany Ward of Beckley, West VA, brothers-in-law Waddell Tucker (Cheryl) and Arthur Tucker, stepmother Lorraine Ward, two aunts, Arlene Ward, Reba Ward and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Special friends Thomas and Yvonne Toney, Larry and Barbara Stallworth, Diane Ginn, Linda Tooles, Margaret Baker, Curtis and Gwen Edwards, Leroy and Olivia Lyons, Ron and Ine Ivey, John Robinson, Elmer and Brenda Treadwell.

A walk-thru public viewing will be held from 8 AM to 10 AM, on Saturday, August 29, 2020, at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 819 Coates Street, Coatesville.  Due to the pandemic, the funeral service will be held privately for immediate family only. 

Interment will be in the New Evergreen Cemetery, Coatesville, PA.

Condolences may shared at the guestbook link on this memorial page.

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