Robert Duran Ward "Cotton", age 74, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2026. He was born November 27, 1951, in Montgomery, WV, to the late King Hiram and Betty Jo Holbrook Ward.

Robert graduated from Groveport-Madison Sr. High School, Class of 1969. He was an outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and spending time with his beloved hunting dogs. Robert was a hard worker, and a very skilled plumber, serving as a Plumbing Inspector for the state of Ohio. He was known as a rugged outdoorsman to many, but for those who were close to him, he was loving and devoted.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Scotty and Sally Jo Ward; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mary and Charlie Brown; brother-in-law, Richard T. Scott.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Martha Brown Ward; children, Lori (Ed) Starkey and Melanie (Steve) Miller; grandchildren, Makenzie (Melvin) Marroquin, Wyatt (Emma) Starkey, and Luke (Jenna) Starkey; great grandchildren, Jaxton and Willa; siblings, Connie Scott and Frank (Anne) Ward III, as well as many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Visitation for Robert will be held Tuesday, August 11, at the Myers-Woodyard Funeral Home, 587 Main St, Groveport, OH 43125, from 4:00 pm until the time of service at 6:00 pm.