Lt. Col. MARION WARD, US ARMY (Ret.)
After 54 years of faithful service to God, his family, his friends, and his country, Army Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Marion M. Ward went on to spend eternity with his Father in Heaven on January 5, 2011. He completed 23 years of service in the US Army and served with distinction in leadership positions. Marion’s heroism shined brightest on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 during the terrorist attacks on the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. He saved 12 lives at the risk of losing his own. For his acts of courage, Marion was awarded the Purple Heart and the Soldiers Medal for heroism and the injuries he sustained. He leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his legacy: his wife, Diane Ward, children: Constance, Erika, Adem and Jasmine Ward. He is also survived by siblings: Cora Lee Johnson, Ernestine Salter (James), Bernard Ward (Barbara), Angela Jones, Maurice Ward and Derek Ward (Crysta); Godchildren Conrado Notyce, Jr. and Corina Notyce; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, January 11 at 1 p.m. at Greater Little Zion Baptist Church, 10185 Zion Drive, Fairfax, VA. Marion will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, an honor befitting his distinguished military service, February 14, 2011 at 11 a.m.
Published by The Washington Post on Jan. 11, 2011.