Leon A. "Bud" Ward

Mr. Leon A. "Bud" Ward, age 82, of Hastings passed away surrounded by his beloved family on Thursday, July 3rd, 2014 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus, in Grand Rapids, MI.

Leon was born in Lee Township, Calhoun County, MI on September 23, 1931, the son of the late Clarence E. and Pearl M. (Gray) Ward. He was raised in the Battle Creek area and attended local schools.

He was the husband of Kay M. (Tilburt) Ward. The couple was married October 10, 1951 and began their lives together in the Battle Creek area. They moved to Hastings in 1954 where they raised their family together.

Bud joined the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Union, and he worked installing wood, wire and metal lath. He was a member of the Union for over 50 years before retiring. During that time, he also served as the business agent for the local union 1028L.

Bud enjoyed fishing for salmon on Lake Michigan, and watching the Detroit Tigers & Detroit Lions. He also enjoyed watching old John Wayne movies, spoiling his dogs Brandy & Jasper, collecting old coins, antiquing and playing cards. As his family was growing, Bud enjoyed taking them camping, especially in the Ludington area. He also shot Trap with the Moose Gun Club for several years.

Leon is survived by his beloved wife Kay of 62 years, three daughters, Katherine Payiva of Sebring, FL, Christine (Nathan) Bolthouse of Hastings, MI, Patricia (Richard) Bouwman of Comstock Park, MI, son, Michael (Vickie) Ward of Dowling, MI, his sister Joyce Glyshaw, 5 grandchildren Amy, Jill, Anthony, Benjamin & Andrea, 10 great grandchildren Kristin, Kaitlin, Dustin, Kathrin, Karley, Hunter, Colvin, Carter, Matt and Rachel. Also surviving are several nieces & nephews and his beloved Shih Tzu Brandy & Jasper.

He was preceded in death by his sister & brother in-law Joan & Albert McGinn, and brother in-law Jim Glyshaw.

Funeral Services will be held at The First Baptist Church in Hastings, MI at 1 PM on Tuesday, July 8th, with pastors Lester DeGroot and Robert Tilburt officiating.

The family will receive visitors 1 hour prior to the funeral service beginning at 12:00 Noon at The First Baptist Church in Hastings, MI, located on Woodlawn Ave.

A luncheon will be served immediately following the funeral service at the Church.

Memorial contributions can be made to missionaries Matt & Barb Douglas at: ABWE PO Box 8585 Harrisburg PA 17105-8585, Missionary #11032-001 or Charity of choice.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home. Please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net for further details.