Louis Ward
Louis Larrick Ward (November 18, 1919 - February 10, 1996) was an American businessman who successfully turned the Russell Stover Candies company into an international brand after purchasing the company in 1960.
Louis Ward | |
|---|---|
| Born | Louis Larrick Ward November 18, 1919 Lenora, Kansas, U.S. |
| Died | February 10, 1996 (aged 76) Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Stanford University (BS) |
| Known for | Leading and owning Russell Stover Candies |
| Spouse |
Adelaide Selby Cobb
(m. 1955; died 1996) |
| Children | 3 |
Early life and education
Ward was born November 18, 1919 in Lenora, Kansas to Carter William and Fern Alpha (née Larrick) Ward. He initially attended the University of Kansas from 1937 to 1938 before ultimately transferring and in 1941 earning a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Stanford University.[1]
Career
Since 1946, Ward has been with multiple employers in the chemical industry such as Drexel, Harriman & Company and Spencer Chemical Company. In 1960, he acquired Russell Stover Candies and built into an internationally known brand. He also served as a director to the First National Bank in Kansas City, Missouri.
Personal life
On December 15, 1955 Ward married Adelaide Selby Cobb (1933-2022), later chair of the Ward Family Foundation.[2] They had three children;
- Linda Larrick Ward
- Scott Hardman Ward
- Thomas Selby Ward
Louis L. Ward died on February 10, 1996 aged 76.[3]
References
- Milt Freudenheim (February 13, 1996). "Louis Ward, 76, Manufacturer Built Fortune in Candy Business". The New York Times.
- "Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals and Receptions - Adelaide Cobb 'Addie' Ward 1933 - 2022". www.penwellgabelkc.com. Retrieved 2023-05-31.
- https://issuu.com/hathawaybrown/docs/hb21_spring_magazine_no_class_news/s/12949773