Ward M. Frey

August 28, 1942 - November 28, 2020

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visitation

Crestview Community Church

1400 Ortman Lane

Lafayette, Indiana 47909

Friday 12/4, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

service

Crestview Community Church

1400 Ortman Lane

Lafayette, Indiana 47909

Friday 12/4, 3:00 pm

Ward Martin Frey

Lafayette – Ward M. Frey, 78, of Lafayette, passed away on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at St. Franciscan Hospital due to complications from COVID-19. He was born in Lafayette, on August 28,1942, to Kenneth and Mary (Taylor) Frey. He married Netta (Carey) Frey on July 12, 1969; she survives.

Ward grew up on his family farm in Carroll County and graduated from Rossville High School in 1960. He went on to complete the Purdue University Agriculture Short Course. From 1962 until 1968 Ward served in the US Army Reserves and obtained the rank of Staff Sargent. His dream of becoming a police officer became a reality in 1967 when he joined the Purdue University Police force. This is where he met his wife, Netta Carey, the police chief’s secretary. After serving for five years at Purdue he transitioned to the Tippecanoe County Sherriff’s Department where he worked until 1974. He then started a 27-year career at Eli Lilly & Company, Tippecanoe Labs, retiring in 2000 as a Senior Chemical Operator.

Ward was an active member of Crestview Community Church in Lafayette for over 50 years. After his near-death experience in 1999 he was passionate about sharing his testimony. His love for God and his family were the cornerstones of his life.

Ward enjoyed a lifelong love of horses which allowed for many family activities and adventures including; camping, trail riding, horseracing, 4-H, State Fair and draft horse shows. Netta introduced him to fishing and it became a lasting hobby he enjoyed with her, his best friend. For over 45 years, they traveled annually to Minnesota to fish with friends and family. He was an avid motor sport fan and was a 25-year ticket holder to the Indianapolis 500. His favorite hobby of all was supporting the activities of his 6 grandchildren.

Surviving family includes his wife of 51 years, Netta, their children, Eric (Julie) Frey of Sheridan, IN, Erin (Russell) Perdue of Lafayette, IN, six grandchildren (Justin, David & Jonathan Frey, Gracen, Scotlynn & Lincoln Perdue), brother, Roger (Jackie) Frey of Rossville, IN, brother-in-law, Fern Walters, and sister-in-law’s Nancy (Tom) Keiser of Lafayette, IN and Susie Carey of Marshall, IL, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Carol Walters and brother-in-law Morton Carey.

Visitation will be held from 1PM-3PM on Friday, December 4 at Crestview Community Church (1400 Ortman Lane, Lafayette, IN) with a Celebration of Life Service starting at 3pm. Burial will follow at Tippecanoe Memorial Garden, West Lafayette, IN. All attendees must wear a mask and practice social distancing. The service will be live streamed at https://www.facebook.com/C3LAFAYETTE/posts/3869574096420077

In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to Crestview Community Church in loving memory of Ward Frey. You may sign the guest book and leave memories at www.soller-baker.com

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

Alice Benner

Christy Carey

Bob Cameron

Katrina Perdue

Kay Knop

Terri Vaughan (Charlie’s daughter)

Steve & Pat Stucky

Greta and Dennis

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Crestview Community Church

1400 Ortman Lane

Lafayette, Indiana 47909

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Friday 12/4, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

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Crestview Community Church

1400 Ortman Lane

Lafayette, Indiana 47909

Map

Friday 12/4, 3:00 pm

Send Flowers & Gifts

Ward Martin Frey Lafayette – Ward M. Frey, 78, of Lafayette, passed away on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at St. Franciscan Hospital due to complications from COVID-19. He was born in Lafayette, on August 28,1942, to Kenneth and Mary (Taylor) Frey. He married Netta (Carey) Frey on July 12, 1969; she survives. Ward grew upContinue Reading

See Condolences

Netta, my heart goes out to you and your family at this difficult time. Keeping you all in my prayers.

Netta Frey and Family You have my deepest sympathy I feel it best not to attend services due to health reasons. Ward and I were class mates at Pyrmont in first/second grade. He talked about horses at that age. He will be missed. Gene Remaly

In memory of Ward M. Frey, Alice Benner lit a candle

In memory of Ward M. Frey, Christy Carey lit a candle

Your family is in our thoughts and prays. Ward always had me laughing, he will be missed.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. I have very fond memories of Ward and your family. He always made you feel welcome and lightened up the room in ways no one else could. I pray your memories and live for him can sustain you until you are reunited.

I have so many fond memories of Ward when we would come back to Indiana and i would spend as much time as i could at Roger and Ward. i always said roger and ward because growing up a famous race car drive by the name of roger ward.. I miss getting together with him and his family. He will me miss

Sending Love from Memphis ❤️

Dear Netta and Family - My sincere sympathy for your loss of Ward. You are in my thoughts and prayers for comfort, strength, and God's grace during this difficult time.

Betta and Family, So sorry for your loss. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Worked with Ward at Lilly. He was a good person. Nancy Jernagan

Erin, our sympathy to you and all of your family. May your memories give you comfort and strength.

Sending love and prayers for your family. May God comfort each of you. Sincerely, Janet Zuther

We were saddened to learn of Ward's passing. We have many fond memories of the Frey family and are keenly aware of how much he loved Netta, Erin and Eric. Ward's love and pride were very visible when he talked about his grandchildren. Ward was very dedicated to his community and will be missed. Love to the Frey Family. Jim and Marge Yeoman, Lafayette

Netta I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family

I’m lifting you up high Netta, for all the angels to wrap their arms around you and your family. My heart is so heavy for all of you ..... may you feel HIS love in your heart, HIS peace in your mind and a calmness in your soul. Ward had the best smile that just made you smile the minute you saw him. He was such a character and seemed to love life and enjoy all things around him. You were just drawn to him and his stories. You could tell he genuinely enjoyed people and talking with others. His face was always joyful! And I love this picture of him! I know my Dad is going to miss him dearly at breakfast. Those guys and their breakfasts... it will never be the same. Sending you lots of love and hugs Netta...

In memory of Ward M. Frey, Kay Knop lit a candle

In memory of Ward M. Frey, Terri Vaughan (Charlie’s daughter) lit a candle

We pray that God’s love will sustain you at this time and into the future.

Thinking of you Netta and family. ❤️?

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I just loved Ward’s spunk and spirit! He never passed up the chance to razz me each time he saw me. I always appreciated his interest in my kids and will miss him greatly! He was a good man! My prayers are with you all! ❤️

In memory of Ward M. Frey, Greta and Dennis lit a candle

Netta, to you and the entire family, know you are in my prayers in this difficult time. Ward was quite the character and I enjoyed his sense of humor. I came to know Ward better and after the Lafayette great Banquet. May the Lord fill your hearts always with wonderful thoughts and memories of Ward.

Ward will be misssed--my condolences to the family--when I worked with Ward, I always appreciated his sense of humor and his work ethic and his committement to Eli Lilly and Co.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.