David Vincent Ward

David Vincent Ward was born on January 17, 1947, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, the second son of Joyce and Willard Ward. He graduated from Klamath Union High School in 1965, where he was recognized as a talented musician who played the trumpet.

David went on to serve in the United States Army with the Signal Corps, completing tours in Germany and Vietnam and attaining the rank of Sergeant. Following his military service, he attended the University of Oregon and Southern Oregon University, later earning his Bachelor of Arts in Labor Studies from Antioch University.

After trying his hand at lumberjacking and bartending, David found his long-term career with Union Pacific Railroad in 1972. He served as a claims agent in El Paso, Texas, and retired in 2007 as an officer of Union Pacific.

A dedicated member of the Masonic fraternity, David was a 32nd Degree Mason. He served as Worshipful Master of his lodge in Klamath Falls, was active in the Scottish Rite, and was a member of the Hillah Shrine Temple in Southern Oregon. He was honored to receive both his 50-Year Award from the Masonic Grand Lodge and his 50-Year Award from the Mystic Shrine.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Joyce Ward, and his brother, James K. Ward.

David is survived by his loving wife, Joanne Ward; niece, Michelle Ward; Lyle Washington; and nephew, Jason Ward (of Klamath Falls, Oregon) and his pups, Mika and Bailey; and dear friend, Lupe Jimenez.

The family extends a special thanks to David and Mary Vargas for their wonderful care and devotion to David.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in David's memory to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.