Douglas Leon Ward, 82, of Salem, left this earthly home to join loved ones in his heavenly home on Thursday, September 24, 2020. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Dora Ward, his beloved son, Mark Douglas Ward, and sister, Peggy Hegler. Doug leaves behind a large and loving family who will miss him dearly but are rejoicing in his reunion with his loved ones and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Doug is survived by his dedicated wife of 59 years, Brenda, and his three children, Matt (Dianne) Ward, Mike Ward, and Melonee Topping. Grandchildren Josh (Heather) Ward, Rachel Ward, Alicia (Ryan) Page, Allyson Topping, Jacob Ward, Deanna Ward; and his three great-grandsons, Davis, Bentley, and Lincoln Ward. In addition, Doug leaves behind his sisters, Jenny (Ronnie) Ashworth, Linda (Frank) Young, Susie Hodges, Cathy Ward, and brother, Charlie (Cindy) Ward, and numerous caring and loving nieces and nephews. Doug is also blessed with countless faithful friends as well as his church family (Mountain Pass Baptist Church). Doug was very honored to be a plank owner of the USS Saratoga, where he proudly served from 1956 to 1959. Doug was particularly fond of telling how he met President Eisenhower when he was on serving on the Saratoga. Doug continued his love for the country even after he left the military. And in his later years, he looked forward to the annual USS Saratoga Reunion which was held in various places around the country. After Doug came home from the service, he started his career driving a truck at Roy Stone, and then later moved to Rowe Furniture and finished his driving career at Trailer Bridge (a total of 34 ½ years driving a truck). Doug was a devoted family man who enjoyed taking Brenda and his four children camping when they were young. He particularly loved family gatherings where he could share stories and hugs. Doug was an accomplished builder and built the house that he and Brenda shared and raised their family. He relished the trips to Winchester with his mom, brother, and sisters to visit with extended family, and to the Charlotte Auto Fair with his brother. He also enjoyed trips to California and Hawaii with his brother-in-law (Jerry and Mary Johnston), and his mother-in-law (Helen Johnston). A funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Monday, September 28, 2020, at Mountain Pass Baptist Church, 2975 Catawba Valley Dr. Salem, VA 24153, with Pastor Jack Richards officiating. Burial will be held privately with his family at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park in Roanoke. Friends may visit with the family from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, 2020, at the church. The family wishes to sincerely thank Dr. Mark Currie and staff, Dr. Son Nguyen, and Amanda from Legacy Hospice. In lieu of flowers and if you would like to donate something in Doug’s memory, please donate to the WMU of Mountain Pass Baptist Church 2975 Catawba Valley Dr. Salem, VA 24153. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnmoakey.com.