Ward Delamatre

Ward Wescott DeLamatre, 95, of Huron, Ohio, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025. He was born on the family farm along Patten Tract Road in Oxford Township near Monroeville, Ohio, and raised there with his three brothers—his twin William, older brother Howard, and younger brother Richard. Ward always held a deep affection for what he called the “DeLamatre homestead,” a place that shaped his character and remained dear to his heart throughout his life.

He graduated from Berlin Heights High School, where he played six-man football with his brothers, forming a proud all-DeLamatre offensive line: Ward played right end, Bill was at left end, and Richard played center.

Following high school, Ward was eager to serve his country and explore the world, so he joined the United States Navy. His time in the Navy included a Mediterranean cruise aboard the aircraft carrier Coral Sea, and though his service was involuntarily extended during the Korean War, he did not see combat. He was stationed in Pensacola, Florida, and often made the long, nonstop drive back to Huron on weekend passes to visit his sweetheart, Fern Bartlett. That determination to be with her spoke volumes. The two were married on January 25, 1952.

Ward and Fern made their home in Huron and raised three sons: John, born in 1953; Scott, born in 1955; and Ward Ty, born in 1962. A gifted carpenter and a proud member of the Carpenters Union, Ward built his career in the construction industry. Beyond that, he bought, renovated, and sold homes, keeping three duplexes on Berlin Road as rental properties, which he humorously referred to as “the poor man’s Ponderosa.”

Family was the center of Ward’s life. He was a devoted and hands-on father, enthusiastically involved in his sons’ activities—whether it was football, golf, wrestling, or horsemanship. His dinner table was often filled with stories from his Navy days, many of which were told and retold to the amusement of those who loved him. He cherished his growing family, and his legacy continues through his children and their families.

John and his wife Robin have two daughters, Jackie and Mariel. Scott and his wife Deirdre have one son, Brandon. Ty and Shelly have three sons, Derek, Ben, and Troy. Ty is married to Connie and has brought her two children Hailey and Allie into the family. Ward was also the proud great-grandfather of eleven great-grandchildren, with two more on the way at the time of his passing.

Those who knew Ward often described him with the simple and sincere words: “He was a good man.” His family agrees wholeheartedly. He was a man of quiet strength, deep loyalty, and humble wisdom, and he will be missed dearly by all who loved him.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 5-7pm, at Foster Funeral Home & Crematory in Huron, Ohio.
A church service will follow on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Huron Presbyterian Church.

Foster Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.fosterfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his honor may be made to:
Ohio Veterans Home
3416 Columbus Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870

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