FREEDOM – Darrell E. Ward, 76, of Freedom, passed away peacefully on Feb. 21, 2024 at Northern Light Medical Center in Bangor.

Darrell was born in Freedom on Aug. 15. 1947 to Roy and Marguerite Ward. A graduate of Mount View High School in 1965.

Darrell soon enlisted in the Army where he proudly served his country for two years. During his military service, Darrell bravely served his country during the Vietnam War where he was stationed in Germany. Upon his return to Freedom he would begin a wonderful life driven by determination, friendships, and a love of music.

He worked numerous jobs including Knowltons Oil, Crowe Rope, The Thomdike Grain Mill, Bean Factory, Warren Brothers, Tilcon and Pike Industries. He learned the value of hard work and the true joy of a nice cold Miller High Life after a long day.

Nobody took greater pride in all he had and it showed with the meticulous shining of his spotless Chevy Truck.

It was his tremendous work ethic, humility, and sense of humor that allowed him to unwind and find joy with numerous “Kitchen Concerts” with all his rowdy friends that would pack his lifelong home and fill it with music, smoke, the strum of guitars and accordions, countless stories. laughs, cold beer and wonderful memories. From listening to Hank Williams Jr. and Stevie Ray Vaughn, to fishing and hunting, or snowmobiling and playing a game of horseshoes, Darrell’s amazing life proved that a country boy can survive.

After his retirement you would often find Darrell winding down by heading up to his beloved camp with Betty Jo where he enjoyed the simplicity of the long drive, fishing, relaxing and wonderful views. When he was not at camp Darrell appreciated the close knit community that he called home for his whole life. The quiet, laid back lifestyle of Freedom was reflected in his stoic personality, unmatched reliability, generosity and proud roots that he regularly opened to his friends and family.

Darrell also greatly appreciated his friends Kenny Cunningham, Debbie Ingraham, Tom LaFreniere. and Lori Nason who would accompany him on his many adventures and trips to Togus Veterans Hospital.

Darrell was predeceased by his parents Roy and Marguerite of Freedom; grandparents Gladys and Roscoe Penney of Knox; and uncle, Mervin Ward and aunt, Mae Ward, all of Freedom.

Darrell is survived by the love of his life, Betty Jo Spinney; stepdaughter, Lisa Worthley, stepson, Bryan Worthley, daughter, Stephanie Ward; grandchildren Megan Worthley, Dylan Crandall and Jada Ward; sister, Roxanne Ward; nephew, Aaron Ward and his wife Jessica Ward and great-nephew Landon Ward and niece, Adeline Ward of Hermon; sisters-in-law Dee Smith and husband Cal, Melissa and husband Wayne; along with many, many other cousins, family, and friends.

A military graveside service will be held June 8, at noon, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Freedom. After, a celebration of life for Darrell will be held at his home at 6 Ayer Ridge Road in Freedom.

In lieu of flowers,

please consider making a

memorial gift or donation in Darrell’s honor to:

The Town of Freedom

Volunteer Fire Department

75 Pleasant St.

Freedom, ME 04941; or

The Freedom Grange Hall

32 Belfast Rd.

Freedom, ME 04941

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