W. David Ward

Urbandale

William David “Dave” Ward passed away peacefully on October 10th 2014 with his son and daughter by his side. He will be sadly missed, by all his friends, family, co-workers and the many lives he’s touched throughout his 76 years.

Dave was born August 14, 1938 in Des Moines. He graduated from Urbandale High School and attended Hastings College. Dave played football for Hastings College with Tom Osborne. He also served in the Army National Guard and was stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, MO.

Dave was a man who loved to work and he started ABC Electric in 1958 with his original partner, Ed Irving, with one truck and $1000. Over the next 55 years, ABC grew to be one of Iowa’s largest and most reputable Electrical Contracting Companies. In 2013 Dave retired and sold ABC Electric to his employees. ABC Electric remains a thriving company in Central Iowa for Residential and Commercial Electrical Services as well as Data Communications.

Dave was also the co-founder, with his younger brother Steve, of AWECO (Another Ward Electrical Company) in 1981. AWECO was an Electrical Contracting Company specializing in high-rise condominiums, located in Broward-Palm Beach County, FL.

Dave and his family spent many summers in Okoboji. The family lived in Millers Bay. Boating, waterskiing, snorkeling and scuba diving are some of the many activities that Dave and his children enjoyed.

Dave was truly a larger than life man who loved traveling and making friends wherever he went. He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycles. He attended the Rally in Sturgis, SD for more than 17 years with his friends.

Being an avid football fan, Dave was a generous contributor to the University of Iowa Football Program, as well as sponsoring many players with the W. David Ward Football Scholarship. Dave was a member of Y.P.O, Za-Ga-Zig Shriners International, NECA and the Royal Jesters Court.

Dave lived his life with laughter, a special zest for life and a passion for work. Dave was preceded in life by his parents Laura and Jesse Ward and is survived by his son, Bill Ward (Christina) and granddaughter, Lauran Ward of West Des Moines; daughter, Kristen (Jason) Rappe of Clive; and two brothers, Bob (Pat) Ward; nieces Stephanie and Dana; Steve (Barb) Ward both from Florida; niece Lisa and nephew Steve.

A Memorial Service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 15th at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.