Stephen Ward

Stephen John Ward, age 71, entered into his eternal rest and joy with his Lord on November 17th, 2024. Steve was born in Erie, Pennsylvania on December 4th, 1952, to Stephen and Anna Ward. He attended Holy Family School and graduated from Erie East High School in 1970.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents as well as his brothers, Thomas Ward of Erie and Robert Ward of Pembroke Pines, Florida.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Karen, his devoted children, Stephen Vincent, Joshua Stephen, both of Mobile, Alabama and Brian Christopher (Catelin) Ward of Albany, Oregon, his sisters, Carol (Tom) Eckard, Theresa (Jack) Clark and Kathleen Ward, all of Erie, sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Ward of Erie and Sharon Ward of Pembroke Pines, and several nieces and nephews.

Steve was an outstanding and gifted athlete in basketball and baseball. He played for East High and Gannon University, as well as a semi-pro league. He also greatly enjoyed playing golf, video games and his own version of pickleball (before it was even invented) with his sons, whom he loved with all his heart. Steve made his home a sanctuary for many of his sons' friends. Steve also was an avid gardener, music enthusiast, a great cook, furniture builder, dog lover, and loved to play pinochle with his family. He coached the Camelia Trophy Shop Little League team to a championship and led Knollwood Christian Middle School's baseball team to the finals.

Steve was employed at the Erie Water Department after college. When he moved to Mobile, he became employed by the Alabama State Docks where he worked for 36 years.

Steve will be greatly missed and will always be remembered for his loving and accepting heart, patience, strength, and thankfulness. Thank you, Steve, for your wonderful gift of faith and love.

The Ward family would like to express their gratitude to Life Church for their wonderful support and loving care.

Visitation will be held at 11 A.M. followed by Funeral Service at 12 P.M. Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home 6040 Three Notch Rd Mobile, AL 36619.