Obituary of Walter Louis Ward II

Walter L. Ward II was born on March 4, 1970 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Shirley Ward and the late Walter L Ward. He was educated in the Kalamazoo Public Schools and was a 1988 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School where he excelled in both academics and athletics (football/track). A track standout he ran on several winning relay teams at the 1988 Class A Southwestern Michigan Invitational and was the first leg of 1987 Kalamazoo Central 4 X 400 relay team who with a time of 3:20.6 broke a school record that still stands to this day. His athletic achievements ultimately earned him a scholarship offers to run track for the University of Houston and Kent State University.

He had a strong desire to learn, Walter maintained a 3.3 Grade Point Average while studying Electrical Technology at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. In addition to his college studies Walter earned certifications in multiple Commercial and Residential trades; Electrical, Heating and Cooling, Drywall and Carpentry. He was in his 2nd year of the apprentice program under IBEW Local Union 131. In addition to learning Walter loved cooking, fishing, landscaping, music and was an avid sports fan. But he will probably go down in the history books as one of the all-time biggest Michigan Football fans. Go Blue!

Always a family man, Walter was a beloved son, husband, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend to many. But, on July 21, 2001 he was blessed with one of his most treasured titles that of Father when his adorable, beautiful baby girl Naquaria was born.

Affectionately known to friends and family as Tank and/or Watermelon, Walter was talented and knowledgeable about most home repairs and the proud owner of Ward's Home Improvement. He could pick it up, move it, assemble it, cut it, build it, repair it, install it, remove it, organize it and clean it. Many were the benefactors of his work and will greatly miss his skills and attention to detail.

He was an active and beloved member of Seasons of Change Church. He was the leader of the Repair and Renovations committee. He was a major competitor in the Annual chili cookoff.

Walter peacefully departed this life on October 3, 2022. He was preceded in death by his father, Walter L. Ward, special uncles Jessie Ward and Gene Gant, and other relatives that he loved dearly.

Walter leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife Lawanda Ward; loving mother Shirley Ward; daughters Naquaria Ward and Britney Lewis; sons Jamaal Conger and Darius Junius; sister Tammie Ward; grandchildren Jordan Bolden and Jiya Conger; aunts Carol (Cookie) Crawley, Ivory Gant, Effie Ward and Cathy Ash (Larry); uncles Bob and Bill Ward; niece Ni'esha Wright; godsons Kaleb and Kamden Clark and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.