Steven E. Ward
October 15, 1956 – February 21, 2025
In accordance with his wishes cremation will take place and family remembrances will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Foundation, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 68, of Kalamazoo, passed away at his home on February 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Steven was born in Lancaster, PA, the son of the late Albert and Doris (Eckman) Ward. Steve was a loving husband, father, brother and friend. He loved sports, excelled at football in his youth and stayed active throughout his life. He made fond memories of family trips to South Haven to swim and enjoy the beach; the colder the water, the more Steve liked it also enjoyed spending time in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania. He was a loyal fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Boston Celtics and when not watching them enjoyed catching a movie or two. He worked hard to provide for his family and retired from the Dana Corporation after more than thirty years of service. He had a strong faith and attended Valley Family Church where his smile and warmth will be missed on Sunday mornings. Steven was most proud of his children, and he leaves behind the legacy of a life well lived. On May 18, 1985, he married the love of his life, Penny J. (Caldwell) Ward who survives. He is also survived by three children, Kim (Cobhan) Huff, Kevin Ward and Kody Ward; siblings, Stan (Joyce) Ward and Wes (Stacey) Ward; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
We have such fun memories of Steve as our fearless leader in charge of the hot dog grilling team as we churned out thousands and thousands of hot dogs at various Valley Family Church community outreach events over the years. Our deepest condolences go out to Penny and your family.
In this sorrowful time I would like to extend to you my heartfelt condolences. May our Lord comfort you and your family and give you strength.and peace in your heart at this sad time. Prayers and memories are what to have to remember and remain in ore hearts and thoughts forever. A gentle soul ascended heaven . I huggedhim at the door at valley groceries on Tuesdays. He will always hold a very special place in my heart for his kindness was always there in his smile. Psalms 34-18 The Lord is close to broken hearts. Married 5-4 Blessed are those that mornfor they shall comforted. I had the privilege to know Steven and was so proud to call him my friend. My son also is in heaven as he passed away at 56 nine weeks ago. His name was also Steven. . Your Steven always asked about him and kept me and my boy in his prayers. Even though he was dealing with his own health issues he had the time for me Such a wonderful loving g man. I will miss him.
Though I did not know Steve well, I will always remember him as the man who, even in the winter, would be directing traffic at Valley Family Church wearing burmuda shorts and a winter coat with a big smile on his face. He always seemed like such a kind and gentle man, and will surely be missed by many who had the blessing of knowing him. I pray that the good Lord brings comfort and peace to Penny and the children, and that there will be many moments of fond memories shared as a family led by a husband and father who loved the Lord.
Steve was the first person I met when we moved to the neighborhood. It was March, and he was walking the neighborhood in his typical shorts (I learned later the shorts were year-around!). Steve stopped and introduced himself as I was cleaning shelves in the driveway. He always greeted us (including our two dogs) with a smile and hello on his walks. He helped me shovel the driveway once when Tim was sick and unable to do it. We will miss his smiling face in the neighborhood. Our thoughts are with Penny and the family.
Many fond memories of Steve from Valley Family Church! He was a true man of God and led our hot dog team well! May God’s love, comfort and peace surround Penny and the family.