Jeff Ward
February 11, 2010
Jeff Ward, 50, died Thursday, February 11, 2010 at his home. A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at Bethel AME Church, 1528 E. University Ave.
Jeff was born March 13, 1959 to Bill and Marcella Ward in Oskaloosa. He graduated from Oskaloosa High School with an honorable mention from the National Merit Scholarship. Jeff graduated from William Penn University with a BA in music and was active in the Osage Precisionnaires and Cedar Rapids Emerald Knights Drum Corps. Jeff had a love and gift for music. He sang and played in the church choir and continued to use his musical talent throughout his life.
Jeff worked for many years as the office manager at Glen Gery Brick Company and was a member of Bethel AME Church. He was a loving husband, son, father, and grandfather who will be missed greatly.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Wanda; children, Sam (Grace), Sally, Steven Ward, and Brandy (Chad) Noble; granddaughter, Teresa Noble; parents, Bill and Marcella Ward; brothers, Jim (Sue) and Jon (Laura) Ward; and a host of other family and beloved friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Fred and Sarah Frye.
Memorial contributions may be given to Bethel AME Church or the American Cancer Society.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Kyle Van Ausdall
02/16/2010
My sincere condolences to all the family members on the passing of Jeff. Jeff and I played in the Wm. Penn College Bands together. I was a Trombone player and he played the Trumpet. Jeff always had a smile and was always a lot of fun to be around. Although our paths never crossed after college, I still remember the good times we had together and all the fond memories. Jeff, along with a few others were like big brothers to me.
Kyle Van Ausdall
Wm. Penn College (University)
Class of 1984
Steve Rozenboom
02/16/2010
I have very fond memories of Jeff with the band of the 70's at Osky High and driving to Colorado for band camp.
My deepest sympathies to Jeff's family.
Class of 77
02/15/2010
The Oskaloosa Class of 1977 extends our deepest sympathy to Jeff's family. May you find some comfort knowing the thoughts and prayers of many people are with you at this difficult time.
Bruce Peiffer
02/15/2010
Dear Family of Jeff's,
My heart felt sympathies for your loss. I've known Jeff since his days at William Penn. As a musician I've felt connected to Jeff through music. Jeff agreed to perform with the Oskaloosa City Band a couple of summers ago at the Iowa State Fair and it was good to have him there.
To his dear children. Keep the music alive for your Father.
God bless you all!
Bruce Peiffer
7-12 Bands
North Mahaska SchoolS
Phil & Linda Wise
02/14/2010
Our deepest and most sincere condolences to all family members on Jeff's passing. Jeff and I played in the William Penn bands during our college days. He was a fine trumpet player and vocalist and I recall his wonderful jazz "scat" singing during many of our jazz band performances. The band never knew when he went out front to solo if he would play trumpet or sing ... what fond memories! May your memories comfort you in this time of great sorrow.
Phil & Linda Wise
Joplin, Missouri