Eric Darwin Ward Sr.

ERIC D. WARD, son of the late Joseph Ward, Sr. and Mercedes Y. Ward was born on May 30, 1947 in Baltimore, Maryland. He departed this life on January 12, 2011 after a lengthy illness. He received hi education at Paul Laurence Dunbar Senior High School in Baltimore. He was employed by the City of Baltimore for over thirty years holding various positions within the Department of Recreation and the Department of Sanitation. Eric, affectionately known as “ Squirrel” was a lady's man in his own right. He was married several times and father to many. In the mid 1960's, he met and married Elvia Wilson and from this union he fathered his two daughters, Ericka and Crystal. He later married Jeannette Dixon and from this union three sons were born, Eric Jr.( Peppy, who preceded him in death on February 20, 1983), Jarvant'ta and Delmonte. His union with Veronica Green would bring his fourth son, Tavon and he became a stepfather to Sherron, Kimberly and Danielle. Eric was joined together in matrimony with Antonia Fields in the 1980's and together they had one son, Eric “Lil Eric” Jr. and he become a stepfather to James and Latonia Fields. Their union would be one of many trials and tribulations, joys and pains until the Lord saw fit to call her home on June of 2002. Eric was known and loved by many. He loved to sing and harmonize. Wherever he went, he had a song to sing, whether it was a hit tune from long ago, or song he had thought of on his own. He could be heard blocks away as he walked and sang, one of favorite tunes being “Wildflower”. If ever he said he was on the way to a family function, it was known that he meant” as soon as I am done harmonizing with the guys”, because he had to stop on several corners along the way to sing a song. He would do that even if he was driving, so stopping at a red light or a stop sign became somewhat of an adventure. Whenever he would go to his daughter Crystal's house, she would say” my Dad is not far, because I can hear him singing. Her was known for orchestrating the family anthern “ what's Your Name” a song two minutes and fourteen seconds long, but took hours to perform because he wanted to make sure every note was in perfect pitch. He also had a love of dancing, helping one of his family members with her dancing abilities which resulted in her winning a dancing contest. His fancy foot work and sweet talk was his trademark. Eric always made sure to give words of encouragement to his daughters, nieces and great-niece, telling them all individually that they were so pretty, they could be models. He will be sorely missed. In the late 2007 Eric accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Personal Savior and received the Right Hand of Fellowship at Israel Baptist Church in East Baltimore. He leaves to cherish his memory: his current wife, Lillian Ward; six children, Ericka Ward-Priester ( Samuel), Crystal, Jarvant'ta Sr., (Robin), Delmonte Sr. ( Chrissy), Tavon and Eric Jr..; twelve grandchildren, Michael P., Sabrina, My'Kell, Brittany,Alexis, Delmonte Jr., Jarvant'ta, Nylah, Kayla, Michael W., Daniel and Amira; great-granddaughter, Nevach; eight sisters, Josette, Mafran, Candy, Joeller, Charletha, Jewell, Doreen and Shiela; five brother, Michelle, David (Bay), Bryan (Clairese), Tony and Joseph Ward, Jr. (Matilda); his stepmother, Mary Ward, two brothers, Marvis Jr. and Rodderick preceded him in death; two lifelong friends, Larry Cook and Ruby; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Eric Darwin Ward Sr.

May 30, 1947 - January 12, 2011