DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home obituary – Clarence Dennis “Stretch” Ward, 82, Keokuk

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Clarence Dennis “Stretch” Ward, 82, of Keokuk, passed away on Monday, May 16, 2022, at the Klein Center in West Burlington, Iowa.

Dennis was born on September 6, 1939, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Clarence B. Ward and Sara Madelyne Porter. On August 19, 1983, he was united in marriage to Joyce Scott in Keokuk. She survives.

Dennis proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1958 until 1961 at Travis Air Force Base in California. He was part of the 3rd flight maintenance squad as an engine mechanic and was honorably discharged. Dennis was employed at Union Electric in 1962, and became a lineman for Alliant Energy in 1986, retiring in 1996.  He was a member of IBEW, and was involved in Keokuk Convention and Tourism Bureau and the Lee County Mental Health Board.

Dennis is survived by his wife Joyce Ward of Keokuk; two daughters: Tracy (Mark) Vickers and Joni Choat, both of Panama City Beach, Florida; three step-children: Stacie A. Martin of Keokuk, Shelby R. (Megan) Martin of Rosenberg, Texas, and Corey J. (Jacy) Martin of Keokuk; seven grandchildren: Christine Choat of Panama City Beach, Florida, Samantha (Zach) Bell of Jacksonville, Florida, Maggie Martin of Keokuk, Creighton Martin of Rosenberg, Texas, Jaycie Martin of Keokuk, and Bradley Martin and Drake Martin, both of Rosenberg, Texas; two great-grandchildren: Margo and Mazie Bell; a great-grandchild due in October; his sister Ruth Mayo of St. Louis, Missouri; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parent and four siblings: Deloris, Betty, Kenny and Loretta.

A memorial service will be held at 1 pm on Friday, May 20, 2022, at DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home in Keokuk, with burial to follow at Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk. Military honors will be rendered by American Legion Post #41 and the United States Air Force. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 3 to 7, with family meeting friends from 5 to 7 pm at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or the donor’s choice.

Tributes and condolences may be left at www.dejongsfuneralhome.com.

DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.

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