Monson – Richard Carl “Duke” Ward, 74, passed away peacefully November 29, 2021, at home with family at his side after a long battle with cancer. He was born November 14, 1947, the son of Russell H. and Annie (Warman) Ward. Richard was born and raised in Greenville Junction and graduated from Greenville Consolidated School, Class of 1969. While in high school he loved to play football. He played for four years and served one year as a manager. This was certainly the highlight of his high school years. He loved the outdoors and he especially loved to hunt and fish with his dad, brothers, and uncles. Richard entered the United States Army after high school, inducted on July 16, 1969. He went to Fort Lewis, Washington, then onto Cam Ranh Bay, Viet Nam. He was discharged on February 17, 1971. He was a proud member of the Monson Fire Department and the American Legion Towne-Holmbom Post 116, Monson. Over the years, Richard had worked for the Great Northern Paper Co., Greenville, Greg Aucoin’s Mill, Greenville Junction, and the Moosehead Manufacturing Co., Monson, where he retired. Everyone who worked with Richard said how much of a dedicated and hard worker he was. In 1973, he married Carol (King) Kelly, the love of his life. He became a very proud step-dad to Rocky Kelly whom he loved dearly. They lived in Monson and they had a great life together. Family meant so much to Richard and he loved getting together for holidays and cook outs. He liked wood working, for many years at Christmas time he made wooden ornaments for children he knew, his great-grandchildren, and his great-nieces and great-nephews. They will have loving memories of him forever. Richard was so proud of doing them and with the help of family and friends they painted them for him. He enjoyed going around to give them out. He was a loving and kind man. Richard was predeceased by his wife, Carol; son, Rocky; parents; grandparents on both sides of the family; and many aunts, uncles, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law. He leaves behind a very special niece, Paula Ethier and her husband, Bill, their sons, and all of her family. They have taken such great care of Richard and were constantly by his side. Paula made sure he received all his treatments in Brewer and arrived at his other appointments. Richard’s brothers and sister are so grateful to Paula for all her great care and love. You all made sure he had what he wanted and he loved time spent with all of your family. You made his life easier to get through the hard times. WE LOVE YOU! Richard is also survived by his brothers, Foster Ward and his wife, Debbie, Walter Ward and his wife, Doris; sister, Geneva Beckwith and her husband, Norman; daughter-in-law, Sandy Kelly; sisters-in-law, Bonnie DuBien and husband, Larry, Dolly Vainio and husband, Ronnie, and Sondra King; brothers-in-law, Robert Jarvis and wife, Roberta, and Billy Harris; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom he loved very much and was very proud of; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends. Richard fought a hard battle with cancer for 3 ½ years. He went to Brewer for many treatments and wasn’t one to give up. The family believes he had 20 some lives that they could count. Always on the edge and would come back, wanting to eat. He was an amazing guy! The family wishes to extend a debt of gratitude to Community Health and Counseling Hospice for their amazing care and love for Richard the past few months. He always had a big smile when he knew you were going to see him. Richard would always say one of his girls was here today. He loved to tell the family which one was in to see, and a very special thanks to Marsha and Rachel. A committal service with military honors will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make donations to Northern Light Cancer Care, Lafayette Family Cancer Institute, 33 Whiting Hill Road, Brewer, ME 04412, Community Health and Counseling Hospice, 1093 W. Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426, the Monson Fire Department, P.O. Box 308, Monson, ME 04464, the American Legion Towne-Holmbom Post 116, P.O. Box 66, Monson, ME 04464, or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.