Mark Hammond Ward

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mark Hammond Ward, a beloved father, friend, and member of the Baltimore community. Mark passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025, at the age of 74.
Born in 1951, Mark lived a life marked by kindness, integrity, and devotion to his family. He was known for his warm smile, generous spirit, and unwavering support for those he loved. Mark's greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends, sharing stories, laughter, and creating lasting memories. He deeply loved his family and friends and cherished every moment spent together.
Mark proudly served with the Maryland State Police, where he embraced the brotherhood and dedicated himself to protecting his community. Later, he continued his service to the nation at the National Security Agency (NSA), traveling the world to ensure the security of the United States. His commitment to duty and country was a defining part of his life.
Outside of work, Mark had a lifelong passion for classic American muscle cars-especially GTOs, Mustangs, and Corvettes. He loved attending car shows, restoring vintage models, and talking shop with fellow enthusiasts. His appreciation for craftsmanship and speed extended to Harley-Davidson motorcycles, which he rode with pride and freedom. One of his favorite traditions was enjoying breakfast at Cars and Coffee, surrounded by friends and the vehicles he loved.
Mark also found peace on the water. He enjoyed boating around the Chesapeake Bay and the Magothy River, often aboard his favorite vessels-Boston Whalers, Parkers, and Grady Whites. Days spent cruising the bay and crabbing along Maryland's waterways were among his happiest moments.
He is survived by his loving wife Donna Jennings Ward, devoted children Kristin Ward Shaffer and her husband Carl Edward Shaffer, Matthew Christopher Ward and his wife Jessica Elizabeth Gerson, cherished grandchildren Carlie Lahoma, Jason Mark Shaffer and Mason Kurt and Paxton Thomas Ward, devoted brother of Cynthia Woolsey and her husband Dr. Thomas Woolsey who will forever cherish his love and guidance. Mark was preceded in death by the late William B. Ward and his wife the late Maria Ward.
A celebration of Mark's life will be held at Evans Life Celebration Home, 16924 York Road on Saturday, December 20 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. A Church Service will be held at 12 noon at the Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church, 17036 Pretty Boy Dam Road, Parkton, MD. Interment Church Cemetery. where family and friends are invited to gather and honor his memory.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mark's name to the MSPAA, https://mspaa.org
Mark's legacy of love, service, and his passion for cars, motorcycles, boating, and friendship will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.