Rev. David Ward Tilton

Rev. David Ward Tilton, 90, passed away peacefully on Aug.15, 2026. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Patricia Howe Tilton of Dayton. He was born on Mar. 5,1936 in Cleveland, OH. He is the son of the late Alva Ray Tilton and Margaret Ward Tilton. He is preceded in death by his first wife of 22 years, Glenda Smith Tilton, a grandson, Gregory Tilton and a sister Ann Wadsworth.

He is a 1954 graduate of Chagrin Falls Exempted Village High School; a 1958 graduate of Amherst College, BA in Psychology; a 1962 graduate of Andover-Newton Theological Seminary where he received his Masters of Divinity; and a 1976 graduate of Ohio State University where he received is Masters in Social Work. He was ordained in 1962 and his ministry spanned 50 years serving eight United Church of Christ Churches throughout the Miami Valley as pastor or interim pastor until 2008. He was Chaplain at Trinity Community of Beavercreek from 2009-2014.

Ward was also an active proponent of mental health and enjoyed his many years as a psychotherapist with many Dayton mental health agencies.

In addition to his wife, Ward is survived by five children: Timothy W. Tilton (Brenda) of Worthington, OH, Andrew S. Tilton (Bernice) of Columbus, OH, and Sarah Tilton Wick (George) of Columbus, OH, Nicole L. Tilton (Joseph Gore) of Kettering and Matthew V. Tilton, of Centerville; seven grandchildren, and five great grandchildren; and three nephews and two nieces.

A Celebration of Ward’s life will be held Saturday, September 12, 2026, 1:00 p.m. at Harmony Creek Church, 901 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering, OH 45429. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be given to United Church Homes, 170 E. Center St., Marion, OH 43302, Attn: Advancement; Discover Dayton Classical Radio or the American Heart Association. Condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.