Lakeland - Ms. Diane R. Ward, 76, died on Monday, October 21, 2019. Diane was born in Cincinnati, OH on January 27, 1943 to parents Hurdes and Ruth (Kress) Evans. She married Harley Ward on August 16, 1958. She worked as a secretary in their family business, H&R Steel, as well as being a homemaker of the family home. Ms. Ward was a member of Bethel Baptist Church, and she loved fishing and going to the beach.

Diane is preceded in death by her stepson; Frankie Ward; twin brother David; and brothers Hurdes, Freddie, and Ronnie. She is survived by her husband, Herbert "Harley" Ward; son Raymond (Barbara) Ward; daughter Debra "Dede" Ward; brother Edward Decatur; grandson Raymond (Megan) Ward II, and great-grandson Harley Herbert Ward.

A graveside service will be held at Socrum Cemetery on Friday, October 25, 2019 at 10:00 AM.