Steve was a beloved husband, son, father, brother, uncle, friend, and follower of Jesus Christ.

He went home to be with his heavenly Father on May 28, 2026. In his final years, Steve faced prolonged physical challenges with the same grace and strength that had characterized his life, and his family is comforted knowing he is now free from suffering and with his Lord. Steve fought the good fight, finished his race, and kept his faith.

Steve was born in Fresno on August 3, 1953, to Vencil and Frances Ward. He graduated from McLane High School and Fresno Pacific University. Steve met his future wife, Debbie, in 1972 at Friends Community Church and they were married in August of 1977.

In both high school and college, Steve was a dedicated member of the track and cross-country teams, where he made lifelong friends. Later, Steve was instrumental in starting the Clovis Invitational and the California State Cross-Country meets, and he was honored to be inducted into the Clovis Unified Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024.

Over a career with the Clovis Unified School District which spanned 46 years, Steve held many different positions before his retirement in 2023. He began as a math teacher, track coach and cross-country coach at Clovis High School, where he also served as a counselor, Learning Director, and Deputy Principal. Steve continued his career as the Chief Operating Officer at CART, and as the school district’s Administrator of Assessment and Accountability, Assistant Superintendent of the Clovis East Area, Associate Superintendent of Administrative Services, and Legislative Analyst. Steve was the district’s Interim Superintendent from May to July in 2011. Throughout his career, Steve was known for his kindness and integrity, and he left a lasting impact on generations of students and colleagues.

The family is grateful to Dr. Donald Gregory and also to Steve’s longtime caregivers Sol, Ramona and Jolene for their support during Steve’s last few years.

Steve was predeceased by his father, Vencil, and his infant brother, Michael. He is survived by his mother, Frances; his wife, Debbie; his son, Michael; his brother Terry and his wife Sara; his sister-in-law Wendy Young and her husband Larry; and his five nieces and nephews, Debi Ruud, Jennifer Hadik, Justin Ward, Christopher Ward, and Christian Young.

An open Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, June 16th, at 2:30 pm in the Liberty Ballroom at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District in Clovis, California. 

Remembrances may be made to Valley Christian Center or to the Foundation for Clovis Schools.