David Paul Ward, 84, of Williamston, S.C., passed away peacefully on Jan. 15, 2021, with his beloved wife, Naomi by his side.

Dave was born April 11, 1936, in Pittsburgh, the middle child of Ida Mahala Ward and Paul “Pete” Ward. He spent his childhood in Zelienople, where he attended St. Gregory Catholic School, then proudly played football at Zelienople High School.

He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ellis, and they had three children, who were raised in a home built beside the Harmony farm owned by Mary’s parents.

After attending Geneva College and a stint working at Halstead & Mitchell, Dave joined the family business, Ward’s Pump and Tank, where he worked alongside his father, continuing to run the business after his father’s retirement. He enjoyed attending Steelers games, honing his golfing skills, annual family trips to Bethany Beach, Del., and attending events with his friends in the Pathfinders Club.

Dave married Naomi Battles Oct. 30, 1984, and the two began a love and partnership that lasted until his death.

In 2000, after they retired, Dave and Naomi relocated to Williamston, S.C. There were many things that made Dave happy, including his wife’s excellent cooking, spending time with his extended family, working in his yard, and spending time with their dogs, first DJ, then Heidi, and finally Honey.

He and Naomi liked to take drives around the country, visiting small towns and seeing sights, and visiting Strawberry Hill for homemade ice cream. They enjoyed sitting in their yard, looking at Dave’s carefully trimmed grass and tended flowers, and watching the birds enjoy their feeders, and their dog chase squirrels. A favorite vacation spot was Edisto Island, S.C., where they were often joined by family.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters, Sally and Gloria Ward.

He is survived by his wife, Naomi; his brother, the Rev. Richard E. Ward (ret.); three children, Brian Ward, Julie Ward Smith (Mike) and Ken Ward (Maria); and two grandchildren, Gabriel and Sofia Ward.

WARD — Arrangements for David Paul Ward, who died Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, were handled by William Slater Funeral Home, Pittsburgh.