Merlin Ray Ward, age 85, of Casstown, OH died Tuesday, July 08, 2008 at his residence following an extended illness. He was born December 25, 1922 in Pleasant Hill, OH to the late Lawrence E. Ward and Emma McConnell Ward. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Edwina Schaefer Ward; sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Cindy Ward of Casstown, OH; Daniel and Carolyn Ward of Casstown; Douglas and Paulette Ward of Dayton, OH; daughter, Carolyn Youngerman of Rockford, ILL; eight grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Dennis "Butch" Ward and eleven brothers and sisters. He was a graduate of Elizabeth High School in 1941. He was a member of the Troy Baptist Temple. In 1971, he help start the Poor Farmers Tractor Show and in 1982 the Miami County Tractor Association. He was owner and operator of Ward Sanitary Service for 50+ years. Services will be held 2:00PM Saturday, July 12, 2008 at the Baird Funeral Home, Troy, OH with Rev. Dr. Rick Arrowood officiating. Burial will be in Casstown Cemetery, Casstown, OH. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 2-4 & 6-8PM. Contributions can be made to Hospice of Miami County, PO Box 502, Troy, OH 45373