Thomas Dale Ward, age 65, formerly of Newton Falls passed away peacefully into eternal rest of pneumonia on Wednesday March 28, 2012 at Physicians Regional Medical Center in Naples, FL. He was born on Dec. 27, 1946 in Meadville, PA the son of William Paul Ward and Ruth L. (Singer) Ward. Mr. Ward was a lifetime resident of Trumbull County. For the past 9 years he has resided in Naples, FL. Tom was involved with organizations serving the disabled, including being the co-founder of United We Sit in Newton Falls in 1998. Tom met with President Richard Nixon to advocate for services for the disabled. He also worked for Hillside Hospital as a peer counselor in the 1970's. He served as a speaker for the Ohio State Extension Services giving safety speeches at prom time. Mr. Ward was a member of DeMolay James J. Tyler Chapter in Warren. He was a 1964 graduate of Braceville High School. While a senior at Anderson University in Indiana he suffered a severe spinal cord injury. Following a year of rehabilitation at Hillside Hospital , Tom completed his BA degree in 1970. Tom was an active lifelong member of the First Church of God in Newton Falls where he served in various capacities. Since moving to Naples , FL , he is a member of the Faith Bible Church serving as a coordinator of the Ambassadors Seniors Program. Tom's interests included gardening, cooking, advocacy for the disabled, and computer access consulting for the disabled. He remained a loyal Cleveland Browns fan. Memories of Tom will be carried on by his loving family: Mother: Ruth & Lee Duss of Venice, FL Two Sisters, Sherry Stranahan of Valdosta, GA Judy Avant of Young Harris, GA Niece: Michele & Harry Allison of Atlanta, GA Special Aunt: Ann & John Luketic of Newton Falls, OH Special Friends: Doug Herlinger of Newton Falls Ron & Marilyn Rumbaugh of Naples, FL Many uncles, cousins, and friends will mourn his passing. He is preceded in death by his father William P. Ward. He lived courageously with a spinal cord injury from the age of 21. His good cheer and positive attitude is an inspiration to all who met and knew him. A Celebration of life service will be held at Faith Bible Church 6464 Immokalee Rd. Naples, FL on Saturday March 31, 2012 with Rev. Ken Davies officiating. Funeral services will be at the First Church of God in Newton Falls, OH on Tuesday April 3, 2012 at 11:00am and calling hours will be one hour prior to service time from 10 - 11 am. Rev Arnold Edmondson will be officiating the service. Tom will be laid to rest at the Newton Falls Cemetery. Flowers or donations in Tom's name will be accepted. The family requests that donations go to either Faith Bible Church Missions Program, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, or Lillie McCutcheon Endowment Fund at Anderson University, Indiana. Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, Ohio 44444 (330)-872-5440. Family and friends may view this obituary online or to send condolences please visit us at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com