Obituary of Darnell Ward

Darnell Ward was born on November 18, 1947, and was the first child of James and Mary Frances Ward. He grew up and attended school in Greenville, Mississippi. Darnell relocated to Denver, Colorado in 1978. In March 1979, he joined the Union Baptist Church under the late Rev. Andrew L Bowman, and was a member of the Senior Usher Board for a short time. In June 1979, he met the love of his life, Helene D. Lindsey. They were married October 25, 1980, and remained together for 30 years. Darnell was called into the ministry in August, 1979. He preached his first sermon in November, 1979. It was at this moment that the Union Missionary Baptist Church family realized that Rev. Darnell Ward was 'somebody's preacher," as Pastor Bowman would affectionately and proudly say after every sermon he preached. Rev. Darnell Ward believed in and took to heart Jesus' commandment to his disciples in Mark 16:15: "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature". Every morning, except on Sundays, Rev. Ward could be found at the White Spot restaurant drinking a cup of coffee and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the staff and patrons. Rev. Ward also set aside time each week to sing, read scriptures, and share his testimony with patients in various nursing homes, visit the Union Baptist Church members listed as "sick and shut in" in the weekly bulletin, and see about his mother and other loved ones. Rev. Darnell Ward worked in several meat packing plants before changing employment to become a Security Guard. He was also an entrepreneur. He started his own lawn service in the Park Hill neighborhood. His lawn service quickly expanded via word of mouth. Neighbors commended him on the outstanding job he did on their lawn and shrubs, often referring him to their family members and friends. The rapid growth of his lawn service became too much for him alone. Viewing this both as a blessing and an opportunity to pass on a legacy of entrepreneurialesm, he employed his son, Isaiah, to help. Isaiah enjoyed spending that time with his dad and meeting and building relationships with new people. In December 1998, his health began to fail as a result of an automobile accident. However, Rev. Ward didn't allow his own health issues to stop him from sharing his faith and love for God. He remained faithful to the end. His leaves to cherish his memories: the love of his life, Helene Ward; son, Isaiah Micah (Shanta) Ward; stepchildren, Kimberly (Robert) Pinkney, Taza Gillespie, and Olivia Gillespie; grandchildren, Isaiah Devari and Dejah Marie Ward; brothers Ernest Ward and Jamal (Nikki) Ward; sister Ann Ward, and a host of aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. His parents, James Ward and Mary Francis Thomas, sister, Delores, and two brothers, Charles and George preceded him in death.