Jacob Donald 'Don' Ward, 86

LAUREL - Jacob Donald "Don" Ward, of Laurel, passed peacefully Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007, in the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford. He was 86.

Mr. Ward was born April 10, 1921, in Laurel, son of the late Fred L. and Dora Ward.

He was a lifelong resident of Laurel and was a resident at the Methodist Manor House from 2000 until he moved to the Delaware Veterans Home in August 2007.

Mr. Ward graduated from Laurel High School and married Mary Louise Collins of Millsboro in April 1945.

He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and returned to the family farm and became a U.S. mail carrier for the Laurel post office in 1956 until his retirement in 1983.

Mr. Ward and his wife were proprietors of the Don Louise Shoppe women's apparel store in Laurel.

He was a member of the Laurel Independent order of Odd Fellows Lodge 27 and served as Nobel Grand and Vice Grand, and American Legion Post 19 in Laurel, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7284 in Ocean View.

Mr. Ward was preceded by his parents; wife; and a sister, Jean Smarte of Seaford.

He is survived by his son, Jay D. Ward of Huntsville, Ala., now residing at home in Laurel; and his daughter, Donna Lee Tondreau and husband Ken of Great Falls, Va.; four grandchildren, Michael Tondreau and wife Sandy of Leesburg, Va., Michelle Tondreau Stephan and husband Chris of Maple Plain, Minn., Lisa Ward Bolding and husband Micheal of Lawrenceville, Ga., and Beth Ward of Huntsville, Ala.; and two great-grandchildren Jessica and Elizabeth Tondreau of Leesburg; his sister, Annabel Cordrey of Delmar and his brother George Ward and wife Francis of Seaford; and several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank all the wonderful staff and caregivers at the Methodist Manor House and Delaware Veterans Home for their love and attention.

Instead of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to the Alzheimer's Association, 2306 Kirkwood Highway Wilmington, DE 19805 research; or Centenary United Methodist Church 200 W. Market St. Laurel, DE 19956.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Centenary United Methodist Church, 200 W. Market St., Laurel, where friends may visit one hour prior to the funeral service.

The Rev. John Van Tine will officiate.

Internment will be held at Odd Fellows Cemetary following the service.

Arrrangements are in the care of Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home, Laurel.