Harley A. Ward Jr., 84, of Ottumwa, died at 2:05 p.m. January 25, 2025 at Ottumwa Regional Health Center.
He was born July 27, 1940 in Ottumwa to Harley A. Ward Sr. and Marie Margaret Clouse Ward. He married Julie Oliver January 29, 1961 and she preceded him in death August 6, 2019.
A 1958 graduate of Ottumwa High School, Harley attended Parsons College and served in the Iowa Army National Guard. He worked 29 years at John Deere Ottumwa Works, retiring as supervisor in 1992.
He was a member of B.P.O. Elks Lodge #347 and O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion.
Surviving are three sons, Kevin (Lisa) Ward of Ottumwa, Stephen (Julie) Ward of Western Springs, IL and Scott (Vicki) Ward of Iowa City; 10 grandchildren, Kyle (Meghan), Bryce (Colleen), Tyler (Kate), Erynn, Evan, Ellen, Ian, Emily (A.J.) Rich, Joseph and Elizabeth; and a great grandchild, Reece.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Mary Moore and Linda Sowden.
Visitation will be open at 10 a.m. Thursday, January 30th at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday, January 31st at Reece Funeral Home with Chaplain Doug McAntire officiating. Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery with military honors conducted by O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion and Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Memorials may be made to the Ottumwa A-Club.
