Ward's Father

[cablejockey]

At different times throughout the series Ward would reminice about his father. It was usually about how tough and insensitive his dad was and how Ward would try to be a different father to his sons. I don't remember ever hearing Ward mention his father's name or see him visit. Anyone have any info on Ward's dad?

[tdr]

I am certain there is at least one ep where Ward's name is said to be Ward Cleaver, Jr.; which would mean his dad's name was Ward. Neither Ward nor June ever talks about their parents as still being alive, so the assumption appears to be they are all deceased. In "Wally's Orchid," when Beaver goes into the flower shop and says, "I've never seen this many flowers in one place before without somebody being dead," I think that is probably meant to refer to a grandparent. Beaver was only supposed to be 9 or 10 at that stage, and for whom, besides close family, does a kid younger than that go to a funeral?

[BeavLover]

I know of one episode, where Beaver needs to write a book report, and Ward gives him his library card, so he can check out "Treasure Island." On the library card, it says "Ward Cleaver, Jr.," so his father would probably be Ward Cleaver, Sr.

Classic scene from that episode: Beaver is petrified that he is going to be thrown in jail for losing the library book. He and Larry Mondello are sitting on the staircase in the Cleaver's home, when Eddie comes over. After Eddie finds out that it was Ward's card Beaver used to check out the book, he reassures Beaver he has nothing to worry about.

Eddie: "....They'll just toss your old man in the Clink."