Douglas J. Ward

Douglas J. Ward, 81, of Sanford passed away peacefully with his wife by his side at York Hospital. He was born the baby of four children on September 29, 1938 to Earl and Phoebe (Douglas) Ward in Troy, NY where he grew up and attended local schools. At the age of 15 he joined the Army National Guard and served for 18 months. When he was 17, he enlisted in the United States Air Force through Sampson Air Force Base. He was stationed in Japan in 1955 to 1958 and served many years in security service during the Cold War. After over 30 years serving his country, Doug retired in 1985 as a Chief Master Sergeant.After his Air Force retirement Doug was employed by the State of Maine as a veteran's counselor to help find jobs for veterans, which he enjoyed very much.Doug was active in several veterans' organizations. As he enlisted in the military at age 15 he has always had an interest in the Veterans of Underage Military Service. He is a past commander of the Disabled American Veterans in Sanford, a member of the American Legion in Rollinsford, NH, and the 40 & 8 club in New York. Some of the things he enjoyed were playing golf, and watching football, especially the New England Patriots. He also was a fan of the Boston Red Sox. At heart Doug was a proud military man who spent his life in service; he was a great man and will be dearly missed.He is predeceased by his parents, two sisters, Eleanor Ward and Lois Sickles, and his brother Earl Ward Jr.Survivors include his English wife of 46 years, Barbara (Jarvis) Ward, a daughter Tammy Trussell and her husband James of Texas, two grandchildren, Frank Furgess III, and Corey Trussell also of TX, a great grand daughter, Ellen Waters and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 24 at 11:00 A.M. at St. George's Episcopal Church, 3 Emerson St., Sanford with a burial at the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery in Springvale.Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.To leave a message of condolence click condolence tab at left.