Louis Ward
American businessman (1919–1996)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
November 18, 1919
Louis Ward | |
|---|---|
| Born | Louis Larrick Ward November 18, 1919 Lenora, Kansas, U.S. |
| Died | February 10, 1996 (aged 76) Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. |
| 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 Ward (née Larrick). 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.[citation needed]
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, in Kansas City, Missouri.[3]