About This Memory Space
This page was created for Donald Elmer Ward's family and friends as a place to remember them, to share stories, and to keep their memory close in everyday life.
It is cared for and added to over time by the people who knew them, and everyone is invited to contribute, whether that is a story, a photo, a few words, or a simple note.
Many families visit places like this not just once, but again and again, especially on quiet days or meaningful anniversaries. This page is here for those moments, wherever you are.
A place to return to when you want to feel close again, to remember a moment, or to leave a few words for others to read. Over time, it grows through the voices of everyone who knew and loved them.
Light a Candle Growing
Light a candle to honor Donald Elmer Ward's memory. Each lighting keeps their memory burning bright for 23 hours.
Candle lit burns 23 hours. Come back and light it again after 23 hours to keep the memory burning.
Limited to 5 lightings per hour to prevent abuse.
Memory Wall Growing
Stories, photos, and memories shared by people who knew Donald Elmer Ward. This is the heart of this space—a collection that grows as more people contribute.
No memories posted yet. Be the first to share a story or memory.
Life & Legacy
Donald Elmer Ward built a life rich in service, family devotion, and quiet strength, leaving behind a tapestry of memories woven from nearly 94 years of steadfast presence and heartfelt connections.
From his early days in Indiana, born to Elmer and Mildred Ward, Donald grew into a man defined by resilience and warmth. He navigated life's challenges with a steady hand, cherishing simple joys and forging bonds that endured across generations. His journey reflected a profound appreciation for home, country, and the people who filled his world with purpose.
Donald proudly donned the uniform of the U.S. Army, serving as a veteran of the Korean War. His dedication to duty exemplified the valor and commitment that marked his contributions to his nation during a pivotal era.
Photos of Donald's Life
Family & Loved Ones
Cherished moments unfolded in Donald's home, where he and his wife Alberta 'Maxine' Archer nurtured a family after their 1952 union, until her passing in 2018. His children—David (Paula) Ward, Kenny Ward, Susie (Rich) Winings, and Donnie Ward—along with a sprawling circle of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, knew him affectionately as 'Papaw Ward,' a figure of endless affection and gentle guidance amid everyday adventures.
Remembered by Friends & Family
Tributes from across Donald's wide-reaching circle capture a man whose kindness rippled outward, with shared recollections emphasizing his unwavering support and the joyful spirit he infused into every interaction.
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