Delbert "Leon" Ward
January 20, 1934 ~ March 4, 2026
Born in:
Taloga, Oklahoma
Resided in:
Pueblo, Colorado
Celebration of Life:
Delbert “Leon” Ward, 92, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on March 4, 2026 to be with his heavenly father. He is survived by his brother; David (Lola) Ward; 2 sons; Duane Ward and Ken (Karen) Ward; son-in-law , Jerry Jaynes; 7 grand children; and 13 great grand children.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Inez (Cox) Ward; the love of his life, Eleanor (Smith) Ward; 1 sister and 2 brothers; daughter, Debi (Ward) Jaynes; daughter-in-law, Kathy (Armstrong) Ward; and his special grandson, Jet Thompson.
He was born on January 20, 1934, in the family home in Taloga, OK. He graduated from High School in 1952 and then moved to Pueblo, Colo. to attend college. He worked various jobs before settling in with the City of Pueblo, where he worked his way up from a laborer all the way to becoming the Superintendent of the streets division and ultimately retiring in 1988.
He was on a double date with a friend. By the time the date was over, he and his friend had swapped dates. Leon knew he had met his future wife. Leon and Eleanor were married on June 20, 1954. To that union, three beautiful children were born. The greatest joy of his life was his family. He taught them all how to fish, camp, bowl and appreciate life. He enjoyed passing traditions down through all generations. Some of his favorite family traditions were making homemade ice cream on the 4th of July, mincemeat cookies at Christmas, having special meals with family for every holiday and the annual Memorial Day weekend camping trip. He was an avid bowler, earning nine 300 games. He made numerous friends in the bowling community. Leon was inducted into the Greater Pueblo Bowling Association Hall of Fame on March 29, 2003.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 11, 2026, both in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel. Interment at Imperial Memorial Cemetery with reception to follow.
Memorials may be made to Leon’s family through Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main Street, Pueblo, CO 81003.
Services
Visitation: March 10, 2026 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Montgomery & Steward Funeral Chapel
1317 N. Main Street
Pueblo, CO 81003
719-542-1552
http://www.montgomerysteward.com
Funeral Service: March 11, 2026 10:00 am
Montgomery & Steward Funeral Chapel
1317 N. Main Street
Pueblo, CO 81003
719-542-1552
http://www.montgomerysteward.com
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Poppy, I know you’re not my Poppy, but that’s the name I’ve always known you as since your granddaughter is my wife. You have always treated me with kindness and respect. You always looked at me with a genuine smile. You sir are a true example of a kind soul. I know we didn’t get to Pueblo as much as we’d like, but every single time you welcomed us into your house, fed us, and sometimes gave us a place to sleep. For that, and the kindness you’ve shown me, I’ll always be grateful. You are a prime example of how a person should be. It’s no wonder your family, friends, and neighbors have so much love for you. As for me Poppy, I have nothing but honor and respect for you. May you find your sweet Eleanor in heaven, and may we find you in heaven someday. Your friend, Casey
I watched this wonderful service online as I’m sorry I was unable to be there and I send my love to all and you gave your dad and grandpa a beautiful going away service❤️
I love ya Poppy!
I send my sincere sympathy and condolences to all of Leon’s children and family along with my love.
Never forget you ❤️
And much love.