Donald Edward Ward

Donald Edward Ward (Don, “Papa Don”) was born May 29th, 1952, in Oberlin, Ohio, the eldest child of Ralph and Carolyn “Kay” (nee Perkins) Ward. He was a loving and devoted son, brother, husband, step-father and grandfather. After graduating from Wellington High School he enlisted and served time in the Navy. He then attended Lorain County Community College and Kent State University where he studied radio and television production and later computer programming and repair. He was a RIAA certified audio engineer. He worked for the Ohio Department of Transportation and retired after 30 years as an office manager.

Don loved music from childhood. Trying on multiple instruments in childhood, he found drums in his early years. He incorporated that love into a lifetime of involvement in the music industry. He played drums for many bands in a variety of genres; his favorite being the blues. His time in the music industry allowed him to meet and work with some of the top musicians in the world. In the late 70s and 80s, he worked stage crew for many national acts at the Cleveland Agora and many other venues. He continued to be involved in music into the mid 2000s, even providing karaoke for events and holiday parties in the community which delighted his step daughters and provided wonderful memories for them.

Being the eldest wasn’t easy, Don had seven sisters and a younger brother. Don was a caring brother and son. He was a “ringleader” for his many sisters and brother as they grew up and he continued to provide loving, caring support throughout life. Always inquisitive, he would teach them to take things apart and put them back together or create something altogether new with the components.

Always putting family first, he showed that love to his parents in their passing. He cared for his mother when she suffered a stroke and went above and beyond ensuring she passed comfortably.

Don was an avid golfer and spent many enjoyable hours playing the game and being in the outdoors with his wife Pat who shared his pleasure in playing the game. He loved every part of the golf and would watch the games when he could no longer participate.

Born and raised and a lifelong resident of Ohio, Don believed in community support and honoring those who came before him. Later in life, honoring his grandfather, who was a 32nd degree Mason, Don became a 32nd degree Mason. Don also served as Treasurer and Administrator of the Elyria Loyal Order of Moose 778. As a proponent of inclusiveness, he was instrumental in the addition of the patio area at the lodge when the no smoking law took effect. He was a member of the American Legion Post 12 and the Elks Lodge 465. He was also a long-time member of the West Side Irish American Club.

Don and his beloved wife Pat met later in life and discovered in each other a deep abiding love and became each other’s soul mate. They traveled extensively, both internationally and in the U.S. They snorkeled in the Bahamas and drank Guinness in Dublin. One of their most treasured memories and loved travels was to Ireland. They loved watching Cleveland sports and spoiling and loving their fox red labradors Lucy and Maggie.

Don was a force of nature, a kind and caring man and a loving soul. He had a gentle sense of humor which delighted all who knew him. He will be sorely missed by his large, diverse family and friends. We will all hope him to be our guardian angel.

Don is preceded in death by both of his parents and his beloved wife Patricia in 2024. He is survived by sisters Dinah Ward, Elisabeth (Michael) Thoma, Daphne Ward, Danyell Franz, Deneen Ward, Delinda Ward and Denita (Scott) Ward and one brother, Douglas (Michelle) Ward.

He is survived by his loving and devoted stepchildren Crystal (Kevin) Mattingly, and Carrie Kaminski and his grandson Calvin Kaminski. He is also survived by many devoted friends, particularly Jerry Hune and his wife Pam.

Friends and family are invited to a Memorial Service on Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 2:00-4:00 pm at Reichlin Roberts Bollinger Funeral Home at 327 Cleveland Street in Elyria, Ohio. A Masonic Service will be held to honor Donald’s service and participation with the Masons.

In lieu of flowers, please utilize the following link to support the Children’s Dyslexia Centers in Cleveland, Ohio. https://www.childrensdyslexiacenters.org/centers/ohio-cleveland/