John William Ward was born on July 16, 1946, in Cleveland, to the son of a World War II veteran and English war bride, Herbert and Marian Ward.
John grew up in northeastern Ohio and graduated from Thompson High School. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1964.
John was married to Donna Lee Carney, in Thompson Township, on Feb. 26, 1977.
He lived in Geauga County and worked as an ironworker and engineer for General Electric. He moved to Tempe, Ariz., in 1986 and traveled for GE as a nuclear engineer until his retirement in 2014.
John was a Mopar fan and enjoyed his two 1967 GTXs. He loved animals and owned several dogs in his lifetime and loved to travel.
John was a member of the Derelicts Classic Car Club and enjoyed meeting with friends every Saturday at Pavilions Rock-N-Roll car show in Scottsdale.
John is remembered for strong work ethic, fun-loving attitude and his devotion to his family as a husband, father and grandfather.
John passed away on Oct. 18, 2024, at home at the age of 78 surrounded by his loving family and faithful companion, Muffin.
John is survived by his wife, Donna, of 47 years; sister, Marianne Stoltz; brother James; children, Heather Baillargeon (Mike), Kellie Burkhart (Drew), Jeff Huff (Sandy); and grandchildren, Gabrielle, Emmalee, Willoughbie and Andrew.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and brother Jeffrey Robert Ward.
Visitation will be at Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 116 South St., Chardon, on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, from 4-5 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, consider donations to Hospice of the Valley at https://hov.org.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com.
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