Herkimer-Ward G. Cushman, age 85, formerly of 509 Church St., passed away on Wednesday, August 15, 2001, in his home at Acacia Village, Masonic Home, Utica. He was born on October 21, 1915, in Ilion, son of the late Lee Vern and Maude D. Leitz Cushman. A lifelong area resident, he was a graduate of Ilion High School and had attended Utica College. For many years, he was an accountant for the Library Bureau in Herkimer as well as a Professional Numismatist (coin dealer). Most of his life was spent in Herkimer until 1997 when he moved to the Acacia Village. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Herkimer, a member of Herkimer Lodge #423 F. & A. M., a 32nd degree mason with the Valley of Utica A.A.S.R. and a member of Ziyara Shrine A.A.N.M.O.S. He was District Director of AARP and had written many articles and editorials that have appeared in local newspapers. Ward will always be remembered as a caring person and was a friend to many. Surviving him are three cousins, Michael Gessner, of Scottsdale, AZ, Mrs. E.C. Calvin Winn, of Watertown, and Charles Leitz, of California, and close friends, Douglas Bennett, of Cleveland, NY, and Joseph P. Zinicola, of Frankfort. Funeral service will be on Monday at 1:00 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church, Herkimer, with the Rev. William Otis, Pastor, officiating. Interment will follow in Oak View Cemetery, Frankfort. Calling hours will be on Sunday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Fenner Funeral Home, Inc., 115 Court St., Herkimer. Members of Herkimer Lodge #423 F & AM are asked to assemble at the funeral home on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. for ritualistic services. Memorial donations may be made to the Masonic Brotherhood Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.