Ward Richard Grosser passed away March 20, 2026, at his home in Kingston, Oklahoma.
He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on Oct. 29, 1943, and grew up in Richmond, Virginia, and Beverly Hills, California. He lived in Roanoke, Virginia for many years. Ward was known by family and friends as a hardworking, kind man, willing to help where needed.
Ward’s childhood was spent exploring and fishing with his brother. He had an inquisitive mind. Always inventing and solving problems. He had a love for gaming and often played with his stepchildren and grandchildren at his home.
Ward married Rebecca Anstine on Dec. 1,1988. He spent most of his life in the construction industry operating heavy equipment, advancing to a superintendent role and finishing his career as an inspector in the high-power electric industry. Ward and Becky enjoyed spending time together watching the Rangers baseball team and trying their luck at local casinos in Oklahoma.
One of their favorite sayings was “just you and me babe.” A host of local friends visited them often as they spent time on their deck at the lake. Ward enjoyed his cat, “Sister,” who only would go to him. Ward and Becky traveled often to visit family in Kansas and Nebraska. A special highlight was a trip up the east coast traveling to the gravesite of his mother. They also traveled to Washington, D.C., and Hawaii.
He was preceded in death by his father, Christian Ernest Grosser; mother, Virginia Herr Grosser; granddaughter, Hermione Beatrice Rose Robinson; brother, Stephen Grosser; and step-mother, Dorothy Berry Grosser.
Survivors cherishing his memory include his wife of 38 years, Rebecca (Anstine) Grosser in Kingston, Oklahoma; daughters, Randall Hilton Grosser, of Henrico, Virginia, and Autumn Karen Robinson, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; grandchildren, James Groce Yeats, Christian Jude Jean and Virgil Thomas More Robinson; step-children and their spouses, Robin (Jeff) Shaw of Pleasant Dale, Sheldon Stauffer of Kingston, Gretchen Stauffer of Beatrice, and Kathryn (Rod) Schildt of Pleasant Dale; step-grandchildren, Renae (Josh) Littrell, Jered Shaw, Jake (Britany) Shaw, Cody Stauffer, Abby Stauffer, Nate Stauffer, Kara (Joe) Lacey, Kylie (JR Douty) Schildt, Meghan (Brogan) Casey, and Martin (Jacquelyn) Schildt; sisters, Joan G. Eagle, of Richmond, Christine G. (Lou) Williams, of Manteo, North Carolina, and Deborah A. Clark, of Colorado Springs, Colorado. He is also survived by nieces, Laura E. Rebich, and Allison E. Kristel; and a nephew, Christian A. Eagle, all of Richmond. Ward was blessed with 19 step great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be conducted at the Seward Library on Saturday, April 18, from 3 - 4 p.m. with a gathering of family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the family for future designation. Cards can be sent to Rebecca Grosser, c/o Kathi Schildt, 1125 168th Road, Pleasant Dale, NE 68423.
Arrangements by Brown Funeral Home in Durant, Oklahoma.
