William Leonard Ward, 93, passed away Wednesday, February 23, 2023, at the Oskaloosa Care Center. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at Bethel AME Church, 1544 E. University Ave., in Des Moines, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery.
Bill was born September 16, 1929 in Hillsdale, Illinois, the son of Benjamin and Nettie Bruggeman, and was one of six siblings. At the age of two, after the death of his parents in 1932, Bill and his twin brother, Bob, were adopted by Charles and Grace Ward. He was a 1947 graduate of Roosevelt High School, where he compiled many awards as an outstanding athlete in both baseball and football. After high school graduation, Bill’s passion for football continued at Drake University where he received his master’s degree in education. Bill played center for the Bulldogs during the Johnny Bright era at Drake.
On April 10, 1949, Bill married Marcella L. Frye and they moved to University Park, Iowa in 1955. Bill was a teacher and coach at the Oskaloosa Junior High School from 1958 thru 1989.
He and Marcella enjoyed snow skiing and traveling, especially trips to Bar Harbor Maine. Bill was an avid golfer and he especially liked golfing weekly with his sons and grandsons at the Oskaloosa golf courses.
He is survived by his son, Jim (Sue) Ward of Oskaloosa; six grandchildren, Alex (Courtney) Ward of Des Moines, Nick (Janelle) Ward of Bondurant, Nathan Ward of Ankeny, Sam (Grace), Sally (Bryan) Henry of Ottumwa and Stephen (Leah) of Ames. In addition, Bill is survived by close friends Mike and Jenny Lee of Princeton, NJ. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Marcella; and two sons and their wives, Jon (Laura) Ward, and Jeff (Wanda) Ward.
Memorial contributions may be given to Bethel AME Church.
