Edward Douglas Ward - Obituary

n Thursday, May 17, 2018 Edward Douglas Ward peacefully went home to God with his wife Vondell Ward, grandson Keleye Jones and sister-in-law Jacqueline Simms at his side. Edward was born November 30, 1937 in Chadbourne, North Carolina to the late AJ Ward and Maryjane Nance Ward. Edward had two brothers, William Ward, who predeceased him and Ashton Ward. Growing up he became a “brother” to cousins Meredith Peterson and Maxine Brown-Davis. He attended Chadbourn Elementary School and Chadbourne High School where he was a member of the football, basketball and baseball teams. He then matriculated to A&T University in Greensboro, North Carolina where he decided college was not for him. In 1956, Edward joined the Army and remained there through two tours of duty in Germany. He ended his military career after nine years of service in 1965. During this time, he was married and became the father of Terence Douglas Ward and Edward Bernard Ward Jr. Upon Edward’s honorable discharge from the military, he was employed by Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) formerly known as DC Transit System beginning as a bus operator and later a Station Manager. He maintained continuous service for more than thirty years and from which he retired twice. His first retirement was in 1996 and after a brief respite returned to work another five years as a part-time Station Manager. After military service, and while working at night for Metro, he took accounting classes during the day where he was known as a Math wiz. Edward was a quiet man who loved children and seniors. In 1975, he met Vondell and became a special person to her family members. Her Aunt Flo, Florine Johnson, now 106 years old was one of his favorite people. As she aged, he would take her to doctor’s appointments and marketing. She loved him so much that she named him “Precious”. Edward became a “father” to Vondell’s children, Michael, Yvette, Derek and Robbie Toogood. As Grandpa to their five children, he basked in their love while enjoying spending time with them. He was loved and treasured as a member of his wife’s family. Sadly, his best friend, Richard Q. Lewis preceded him in 2015. After retirement they were inseparable. Together, they joined the American Legion Post 275, Glen Arden, MD and were members and supporters of the Amalgamed Transit Union Local 689. At least three times a week they would visit fellow Metro retirees and friends. Other days they would enjoy exploring Prince George’s County. They became landscape artist both at their homes and neighbor’s homes, much to their wives’ delight. As a sports enthusiast, Edward would talk sports endlessly with his grandsons. His other passion was helping at “SHARE” at the parish center. Although, he was there monthly to get his package, he, when asked, would help whenever needed. He cherished the friendship and comradery of the volunteers. During his marriage to Vondell he became a Catholic and attended Mass at Most Holy Rosary Church in Upper Marlboro, MD for ten years. Edward leaves to treasure and honor his memory: his loving wife, Vondell Elizabeth Ward, and brother Ashton Eugene Ward (Andrietta); children: Terrence Douglas Ward, Edward Bernard Ward, Jr., Mansfield Michael Toogood, Charlotte Yvette Thomas (Calvin), Derek Manuel Toogood (Elizabeth), Robbie Bernard Toogood (Tia), and Marie Dyson; grandchildren: Channing Michelle Carter, Marcel Douglas Ward, Ralph Kozy Jones, Keleye Lamarr Jones (Connie), Euronne Nachelle Toogood, Vanity Vondell Toogood, Valentina Angelica Toogood, Lori Young ; great-grand children: Elijah Jones, Zahra Jones, Cory Toogood, Dameya Toogood and Lauryn Toogood. Aunt: Florine Johnson, niece: Joyce Epps (Joseph), and special friends: Nora Lewis, Henry Brown, Muriel and Margaret Humbles, Rosalind Harper and sister-in-law Jacqueline Simms who were extremely supportive during his illness. A host of cousins, Metro buddies, and special neighbors Eugene Rashlich, and Jerome Boatwright. Friends: Ronald Thompson, C.C. Miller and Denise Moore.   MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital in Edward Ward’s name. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105