Don Ward

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

We are here to celebrate the life of a man whose laughter was as infectious as his love for a good country song - Donald Ward, affectionately known as Don. Born on the 17th of June, 1958, in Mineral Point, MO, Don graced this world with his wit and charm for 65 joy-filled years. 

He had a knack for making everyone he met feel like they were the most important person in the room, a trait that no doubt served him well during his years in restaurant management. But now, it's time to raise a glass (preferably filled with beer) to toast this funny, witty, loving, and loyal man who brightened so many lives.

Don was a lover of the simple things in life. A good country song, a cold beer, a fishing line cast out into a quiet lake, or a hunting trip with his brothers were the things that brought him joy. His retirement in 2020 from Nichols Management in Webb City, MO, allowed him the time to indulge in these passions and, of course, the occasional dance-off! The stories and jokes he gathered from these adventures will continue to bring smiles to our faces, even in his absence. He was a man who loved deeply, and what mattered most to him was spending time with his family. Don's love for his family was only matched by his love for his hometown, Jasper, Missouri, where he resided for 15 years.

Don was surrounded by love not only in life but also in death. He is survived by his children Donnie (Amanda) Ward Jr., Daniel Filley, Savannah (John) Rodgers, Zachary (Bailey) Ward, and stepsons Johnny (Kim) Mayberry, Billy Mayberry, Terry Mayberry. He is also fondly remembered by his siblings Donna (Mike) Kean, Jason (Kristie) Ward, Joseph Ward, Lena (Cecil) Daugherty, Lester (Lisa) Ward, Mike (Laura) Ward and Stacy (Christy) Ward. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Audrie Ward, and his son, Danny Ward.

Donald’s visitation will be held Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 10am at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. The funeral service will follow at the same venue at 11am with pastors Larry DeGonia and Emu DeGonia officiating. 

Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers include Jimmy Ward, Tim Kean, Ryan Ward, Scott Ward, Lester Ward Jr., and Matthew Farmer. Interment will be at Carterville Cemetery.

We encourage you to share your fond memories, stories, and photos of Donald on his memorial page at simpsonfh.com. His legacy is not just in the lives he lived, but also in the laughter and love he left behind. Don is gone, but his zest for life, his hearty laughter, and his love for his family will continue to live in our hearts forever. He will be missed more than he will ever know, by so many, but his spirit will continue to bring joy to those who knew him. Please join us in celebrating the life of this extraordinary man.

Funeral arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home.