HILLIARD, Ohio — Hilliard City Council presented a proclamation on Jan. 13 honoring former Mayor Timothy Ward and members of Ward’s family urged the council to give him a permanent public memorial.

President Tina Catone read the proclamation, listing Ward’s service as Hilliard mayor from 2000 to 2003, his roles with the Madison County Board of Elections and the Association of Election Officials, military service aboard the USS Skipjack and other civic activities. The proclamation notes Ward died Oct. 30, 2024, following a battle with cancer.

The family’s request was framed during a public-comment segment immediately after the proclamation. Ellie Ward, identified in the meeting as the mayor’s daughter, said, “I just truly, the only thing I want is for my dad to get the recognition that I think is long overdue.” She asked the council to “honor my dad for his service, his accomplishments as mayor, and his love for this city by giving him a permanent place in it.”

Patrick Mayer, a trustee at Avery Masonic Lodge, and Jeffrey Gergel, a friend and lodge brother, spoke in support. Mayer said Ward was “a beacon of not only God and his country, but of Hilliard as well,” and asked the council to consider an existing pocket park or similar site. Gergel described Ward’s civic work and military service and called him “a great loss.”

The proclamation, presented by President Tina Catone on behalf of the council, lists Ward’s civic and professional roles, including service as a page at the statehouse, director of the Madison County Board of Elections, president of the Association of Election Officials, and a graduate of The Ohio State University. The text also notes Ward’s service in the U.S. Navy and his membership in Masonic organizations.

Council members did not take a formal vote to create a park, plaque or other permanent memorial during the meeting. The proclamation and a sign were given to the family at the meeting’s conclusion.

The comments from Ward’s family and Masonic colleagues focused on recognition of public service and veterans’ contributions; no formal council action or timeline for any memorial was announced.