Donald Ward

Donald H. Ward Donald H. Ward,"Norton", went to be with the Lord on April 25, 2011. He was born on July 7, 1933, in Massena, N.Y. After getting kicked out of kindergarten for going down the slide backwards, Don went on to graduate from Elmira College with a degree in electrical engineering. He loved God and his country and served proudly in the U.S. Army. He worked for Niagara Mohawk and retired from Westinghouse after 46 years of loyal service. He was instrumental in the development of the camera tube utilized during the Apollo moon missions. He was a faithful member of St. Anne Catholic Church and life member of the Knights of Columbus, 4th degree. He was the most loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all who knew him. He is survived by Carolyn B. Wagner Ward, his wife of 54 years; his sons, Daniel and wife, Theresa, and Donald F. and wife, Priscilla; his daughters, Deborah Fleenor and husband, Jayde, and Cynthia Burke-Tolbert and husband, Ronnie; grandchildren, Carrie Cornett and husband, Ken, and Andrew and Matthew Fleenor; and special family members, Beulah Dustin, Joyce Smith, Junior Jackson and wife, Shirley, and Jean Mainville and husband, Donald. Don was preceded in death by his son, David Scott, and granddaughter, Jennifer Ann Fleenor, his parents, two sisters, and a brother-in-law. He will be remembered for that slightly mischievous smile that could light up a room and stories that would keep you laughing for days. He was a skilled machinist and woodworker, and enjoyed helping everyone with their projects. He instilled a love of the ocean in his family, thanks to their many eventful beach trips. He was a proud and supportive father and grandfather, never missing a game or a chance to be with his loving and joyful family. His life was an inspiration to everyone who knew him, and his memory and spirit will live on in the lives of everyone he loved. The funeral mass will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2011, at St. Anne Catholic Church with the Rev. Timothy E. Keeney officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12 to 2 p.m. prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council 6695, 125 18th St., Bristol, TN 37620 or St. Anne Catholic Church, 300 Euclid Ave., Bristol, VA 24201 in honor of Don's eternally giving spirit. Email condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@akardfuneralhome.com Akard Funeral Home, 1912 W. State St., Bristol, TN (423) 989-4800 is serving the family of Mr. Ward.