Douglas A. Ward

Douglas A. Ward, 68, of Grand Island, Nebraska, entered his eternal home on Friday, August 1, as the result of a farm accident. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11am on Friday, August 8, at Trinity United Methodist Church, officiated by Reverend April Wegehaupt and family friend, Dan Naranjo. Livestreaming will be available for those unable to attend in person. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 7, at All Faiths Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the family to be determined later. Doug was born on September 24, 1956, in Grand Island, Nebraska, to Harold Lyle and Esther (Vaughn) Ward. He attended Wasmer Elementary, Barr Junior High, and graduated with the Grand Island Senior High Class of 1974, having just celebrated his 50th reunion with his graduating class last year. He then pursued higher education at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he was a member of the FarmHouse Fraternity. Doug began his lifelong career with Southern Power District in 1979 as an Apprentice Lineworker and Commercial Meter Reader. Over the course of his 42-year career, he rose through the ranks to become a Journeyman Lineworker and later an Electromechanical Specialist. He also served as Grand Island Area Steward and the Chief Steward for Local Union IBEW 1597 for a combined 20 years. Doug took great pride in his work and retired on September 30, 2021, after over four decades of dedicated service to the customers of Southern Power District. Doug was confirmed in the Methodist faith and was a longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church. He was also an Eagle Scout, having earned the honor as part of Troop 119 in Grand Island, and remained involved in supporting the Scouting program. Doug will be remembered for his warm personality, generosity, and unwavering willingness to help others. He never met a stranger, often getting caught in conversation wherever he went. He adored visiting with and spending time with his friends, many of whom he has known his entire life. As an avid outdoorsman, Doug especially loved hunting and fishing, particularly chasing walleye on the lake in his boat. He found joy in gardening, often sharing his harvest with friends and neighbors, and enjoyed landscaping, lawn care, woodworking, and fixing just about anything. A talent he inherited from his father. Doug was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He deeply loved his two sons and was immensely proud of the admirable men they have become. His greatest joy was sharing life with Cheryl, his beloved wife of 42 years. He was also a proud and loving grandpa to Evalyn and Whitley. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl (Knox) Ward; sons, Conor (Allison) Ward of Lincoln and Derek (Jennifer) Ward of Chicago; grandchildren, Evalyn Marie and Whitley Lyle; sister, Karen Reese; sister-in-law, Terry (Robert) Rathman; and nephews, Ryan (Megan) Reese, Jason Rathman, Kurtis (Jenny) Rathman, and Coby (Jaime) Rathman. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Harold L. and Esther Ward; brother-in-law, Clark Reese; mother- and father-in-law, Patricia and Harold Knox; and brother-in-law, Stanley Knox. Doug's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. His kindness, integrity, and commitment to family and community will leave a lasting legacy.

Douglas A. Ward

September 24, 1956 - August 1, 2025

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Douglas A. Ward

September 24, 1956 - August 1, 2025

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support