David Carl Ward

David spent eight years at Our Lady of Gethsenani Monastery in Kentucky as a teenager and was a tradesman where he learned all kinds of hands on trades. After the monastery, he was hired in at Marposs Gauges as an engineer and then moved into sales, despite not graduating from high school. He secured the position of engineer despite a line of people applying who all had college education. From there he worked his way up the corporate ladder to VP of Sales. In 1982, he founded Process Monitoring Systems (PMS), bringing the same focus and determination to building something of his own. Across the years, what mattered most to him was never only the work itself, but the people alongside him—he kept lifelong friendships with coworkers and employees, meeting with them often and valuing those bonds as a meaningful part of his life. He worked into his 80s before taking a well-earned retirement. As a younger man, he also served as a volunteer Police Officer in Ohio, offering his time in quiet service to others.

Above all else, his family was number one. He and his wife just celebrated 60 years of marriage, a partnership that enriched both of their lives. David’s love for them shaped the rhythm of everyday life—steady, present, and deeply personal. He was remarkably handy, the kind of man who could turn attention and patience into something practical and lasting. Whether he was woodworking, metal working, doing yard work, or taking on home maintenance, he brought care to the details and pride in doing things well.

David was an avid reader of all genres, always ready to be drawn into a new idea, a new story, or a new perspective. He loved nature and camping, and he shared that love with his daughters, giving them not just memories outdoors, but a lasting appreciation for the world’s quiet beauty. He also enjoyed singing and had a beautiful voice—one more way he brought warmth and presence to the people around him.

David is survived by his wife, Jeannine Ruth (Graham) Ward; daughters Ruthanne Luttrell (Thomas), Mary Ellen Findley (Chad), Jeanne Marie Ward (Matt), and Carol Ann Hanover (Gavin); grandchildren Kayleigh Marvin (Mitch), Brennan Luttrell, Aidan Luttrell, Brooke Slenk (Spencer), Andrea Findley, Alison Ward, Andrew Hanover, and Elowen Hanover; siblings Ann Roberts, Jimmy Ward, Phyllis Knight, and Carol Jamieson; many nieces and nephews; and all of his friends from Marposs and the friends he made throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stuart and Anne Ward; and siblings Mary Ellen Ward, Catherine Ward, Joan Dion, and Lee Ward.

Visitation will be held at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 West University Drive, Rochester, MI 48307, on July 21, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm with a funeral service following at 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers the family invites you to donate to the MPN Research Foundation - https://www.mpnresearchfoundation.org/donate-to-mpn-research/