Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
Donald Charles Ward, 89, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and service.
Donald was born on January 3, 1937, in New Hampton, Iowa, to Gerald and Lillie Ward. He grew up in Iowa and developed the strong work ethic and love for family that would guide him throughout his life.
From 1955 to 1959, Donald proudly served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Caloosahatchee as a Yeoman Second Class (YN2).
On September 22, 1960, Donald married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Hall. Together they built a marriage marked by enduring love and commitment for nearly 66 years.
Donald spent twenty years at Marquart Concrete Block Co. before becoming co-owner of Stetson Building Products where he worked for another twenty years. Prior to joining Stetson Building Products he was in business with his dear friend Carl Schuler.
Donald loved the Lord and faithfully served His church throughout his life. He was instrumental in helping establish Faith Baptist Church in Hudson, Iowa, where he served as both a deacon and Sunday School teacher. He found great joy in teaching God’s Word and encouraging others in their faith.
Outside of work and church, Donald enjoyed spending time on the golf course, collecting fountain pens and coins, cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, and passionately following the Iowa Hawkeyes.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Betty; his twin brothers, Wes and Wayne; and his beloved grandson, Joseph Donald Casey.
Donald is survived by his beloved wife and his children, Karrie (Micheal) Ryherd, Kelly (John) Church, Kathy (Kevin) Casey, and Kevin (Jamie) Ward; 12 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.
Donald will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him. He will be remembered as a faithful husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, proud veteran, respected businessman, devoted church leader, and trusted friend. His life was marked by humility, generosity, unwavering faith, a quiet strength, and a servant’s heart. While his family grieves his passing, they rejoice in the assurance that he is now in the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ. His memory and example will continue to inspire all whose lives he touched.
The Ward Family is hosting a memorial gathering and service on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Greenhill Baptist Church, 4316 Cedar Heights Dr, Cedar Falls. Family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Memorial service at 11 a.m. with military honors to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Unity Point Hospice-Allen Foundation (https://www.unitypoint.org/giving/allen-foundation)or Greenhill Baptist Church.
Locke at Tower Park is serving the family. Please visit lockefuneralservices.com to offer your condolences.
Family-Directed Service
August 8, 2026
11:00 am – 12:00 pm