Robert Vaughan Ward

Robert Vaughan Ward, 79, passed into the arms of Jesus on August 18, 2026. Husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was deeply loved by all and will be sorely missed. Robert loved God, his family, his country, and the Florida Gators, his alma mater. An Army “brat”, he lived in many locations while growing up, but Florida was always home.

He was an Eagle Scout and served in the ROTC throughout high school and college. This was followed by a stint in the US Army from which he was honorably discharged as a Captain. Following that he spent his life working for several county governments in multiple leadership positions. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting with both bow and gun, boating and fishing, and seeing the world. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Josephina V DeReys Trust, C/O Connie Reed, 6765 SW 90th Loop, Ocala, FL 34476, which funds the care home where Robert spent his last days and received the most amazing and loving care possible.

Funeral services for Mr. Ward will be held at First Methodist Church of Dunnellon on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 10 AM, with Pastor Eddie Fulford officiating.  Interment will be in Florida National Cemetery.