David Rea Ward, of Sharonville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on the evening of Saturday, January 24, 2026 at the age of 89. He was born in Abilene, Kansas to the late Clifford and Callah (Moody) Ward.
David is survived by Debra Morris, his wife of 32 years; son Timothy “Scott” Ward (Holly Ward); daughters Lisa Taylor and Amy Williams; grandchildren Andrew, Devin, Quincy, Madison, Jared, and Zoë. David’s brother William “Bill”, and his son, Douglas, preceded him in death.
David enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, and attended as many sporting events and activities as possible. He was a hardworking, reliable, faithful, and loving parent who was always present for his family. David enjoyed outings with his grandchildren and sharing some of his many Navy stories.
David enjoyed playing golf and took many golfing trips with his golf buddies after his children were raised. He always watched the Bengals play football, even if it was a losing season. He also enjoyed meeting up with his brother Bill and sister-in-law Barbara and children in the Branson area for a week in July many summers. The children and, eventually, grandchildren would meet there for boating and water skiing. David and his brother sat in his brother’s cabin, entertaining family who came by during the day, telling the same stories each summer.
Later in life, David reunited with his 3 Navy buddies, going to Navy reunions and meeting up in cities where each one lived. There they enjoyed telling old Navy stories and drinking scotch. David was loved by many who met him over the years through the Navy, GE, golf, and his family.
David’s family moved several times while he was growing up. They moved to Arkansas City, Kansas in 1953 where David graduated from Arkansas City High School in 1954. He attended Cowley County Jr. College for one year and then enlisted in the U. S. Navy in May 1955, attending boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Training Center. After boot camp, he reported aboard the Destroyer U.S.S. Charles H. Roan in April, 1956. Home port for the Roan was in Newport, Rhode Island. David Served aboard the Roan until discharged in May, 1959. He achieved the rank of FT2.
David Returned to Arkansas City and in September, 1959, started his sophomore year at Cowley County Jr. College and graduated in 1960. He then attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas during 1960-1961. He returned to Arkansas City and began his career with the General Electric Company at Strother Field near Arkansas City in September, 1961. David was promoted several times into management, moving to Cincinnati, New Mexico, and then back to Cincinnati. During this time his 4 children were born; Douglas (1962), Scott (1964), Lisa (1965), and Amy (1970). In 1979, he was promoted to the position of Manager - Program Control in M & IED and remained in that position until his retirement in March, 1996. After retirement, David worked part-time as a valet driver for dealerships in which he thoroughly enjoyed driving new cars.
In November, 1990, while visiting friends in Hilton Head, South Carolina, he met his wife, Debra S. Morris, who had taken a leave of absence from her position as Speech Language Pathologist in Lafayette, Indiana. She moved to Cincinnati in 1992 and they married on October 1, 1993.
In his retirement, he enjoyed golfing, spending time with his family, and travels with his wife, Debra. His favorite place was Camden, Maine. However, he also traveled frequently to Charleston, SC, Holland, MI, Asheville, NC, and Hilton Head. David and Debra enjoyed eating out daily and had many favorite restaurants they visited frequently.
David enjoyed life to the fullest although his health was challenging for him in 2025 with 12 hospital stays. He continued to show his sense of humor, strength, bravery and love for his family.
Visitation will be from 2:00 PM until the time of service at 4:00 PM on Sunday, February 15th at Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Home, 10211 Plainfield Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45241.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in David’s honor are suggested to National Kidney Foundation www.kidney.org OR to American Cancer Society www.cancer.org
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