Roy “Dean” Ward, 72, passed away in Owensboro, KY on June 22, 2026, surrounded by his family. Dean was born in Beech Grove, KY on November 21, 1953, to the late Henry Beecher Ward and Helen “Hulsey” Ward.
Dean lived every day to the fullest and never wasted an opportunity to laugh or spend time with the people he loved. He enjoyed hunting, watching Western movies and cheering on Kentucky Wildcats basketball. His passion was cooking and firmly believed a good meal should be eaten while it was hot. Dean never met a stranger. With his constant smile, contagious laugh, and quick wit, he had a way of making everyone around him feel welcome. He was always cracking a joke, and nearly everyone who knew him has a favorite “Dean story” to tell. He treasured his dogs, Winnie and Piper, but nothing meant more to him than his children and grandchildren. Though his family and friends grieve his loss, Dean leaves behind far more laughter than tears. His stories, jokes, and joyful spirit will continue to bring smiles for years to come.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Henry Lee “Plunk” and sibling’s-in-law Kathleen Ward (Jeep), Carl Jones (Mary) and Wayne McIntosh (Judy).
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 27 years, Tammy Fulkerson Ward; his children Adam Ward, Nathan (Mandy) Ward, Jesse (Doritha) Ward, Jessica (Jacob) Dant, and Kayla (John) Morris; his grandchildren, Carter Ward, Mary Blake Ward, Sydney Ward, Evan Ward, Kaleb Level, Kamden Level, Kenadi Level, Kylie (Chase) Wells, Connor Ward, Jax Ward, Jaron Ward, Justice Ward, Hannah Dant, Natalee Dant, Eli Dant, Reed Dant, and Sully Morris; and siblings, Jeep Ward, Ralph (Judy) Ward, Joyce (Melvin) Bennett, Mary Jones, Bess (CW) Sandefur, David (Teresa) Ward, Judy McIntosh, Glenda (Terry) Schmautz, and Mitchell (Sandra) Ward.
Visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Beech Grove Christian Church. Services will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Beech Grove Christian Church.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Roy “Dean” Ward. Please leave condolence messages for the family of Mr. Ward and sign the virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.