James Alton Ward, 85

GAITHERSBURG, Md. - James Alton Ward of Gaithersburg, Md., formerly of Lewes, died Sunday, July 1, 2007, in Shady Grove Hospital, Rockville, Md. after a lengthy illness. He was 85.

Alton, as he was known to his family and friends, was born Oct. 8, 1921 in Lewes to the late Mary Daisey and Joshua Ward.

He spent his entire life in Lewes working at Doxsee Clam Factory, more than 30 years service to J.G. Townsend & Co. farms in Georgetown.

Alton was a faithful and dedicated member of St. Paul UM church in Lewes for more than 50 years.

He retired from Townsend & Co. in 1986. In 1997 he moved to Maryland to live and be cared for by his daughter, Angela Mumford.

In addition to his parents, he was preced in death by his wife, Mary "Mae" Ward in 1992.

He is survived by one daughter, Angela and her husband, the Rev. Anthony Mumford of Gaithersburg, Md.; three grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Anna H. Ward of Lewes; and a special nephew, Ernest "Junior" Gooch of Lewes.

Services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday in St. John 2nd Baptist Church, Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro, where friends may call one hour prior.

The Rev. Anthony Mumford will officiate.

Arrangements by Miller Funeral Services, Lewes.