David Henry Ward, Jr. was born on October 15, 1971, in Independence, Mo. He passed away comfortably in the home he shared with his wife Marie Lynn (Spaniol) Ward in Overland Park, Kan. on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at the age of 51. Dave graduated from Fort Osage High School in the class of 1990. Dave and Marie were joined together in marriage surrounded by family and friends on October 15, 2016. It was one of the happiest days of his life.
 Dave was charismatic at his work for Ward & Garrison, car dealerships and auto shops. He was a great repairman, always happy to help others. He loved talking with people and was a great debater, enjoying convincing people they were wrong.
 Dave enjoyed cooking greatly, especially his family’s famous brisket on special occasions. He was known for his ability to use every dish in the kitchen.
 Dave’s love of animals was apparent. He took in the strays that he encountered and gave them sanctuary; most recently, King George, the barn cat named for his favorite musician, George Strait.
 Dave’s favorite place was the outdoors, particularly Table Rock Lake where he spent abundant time making memories with his immediate and extended family. His favorite outdoor activities were fishing and boating. His best fishing buddy was his youngest daughter, Bailey.
 David and his Babyface enjoyed watching the Travel Channel, Discovery Channel, Shark Week and scary movies together. They also greatly enjoyed listening to all kinds of music, making a trivia game out of it by naming the title, artist, year and other fun facts.
 Dave enjoyed the fantasy genre and was an avid fan of the Three Stooges, the Princess Bride and the Belgariad series by David Eddings. He also enjoyed playing video games as well as Dungeons and Dragons with his friends and eventually his oldest daughter, Peyton.
 Dave is survived by his wife, Marie; two loving daughters Peyton Ward and Bailey Ward; step-daughter Jean Marie Stuto; mother Vickie Ward; sister Cathy Cain; nephew Kyle Cain; and three grandchildren: Inigo, Afton and Adrian. He leaves behind many friends and family whom he also loved and cherished. He was known for his sense of humor and how he could make everyone laugh. He will be missed dearly. Dave is preceded in death by his father, David H. Ward, Sr. and many aunts and uncles….we know he has joined them again and continues to make them all laugh and we look forward to the day we can also laugh with him again.
 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City at 5445 Parallel Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66104.