It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of my beloved son Mark Aaron Bolden who left us May 29th, 2025 at the age of 53 in Hampton, VA. Surrounded by his loving children and family in his final moments.

Mark Aaron was born in Lima, Ohio to Ora Lynn Bolden-Scott (Hampton, VA) and Kendall Van Ward Sr. (Lima, OH).  He graduated from Elida High School and attended New Horizon Regional Center (Hampton, VA) and received a Journeyman Certificate for Machinist/Tool and Die Maker.  Mark Aaron was currently working for Fairlead Integrated, LLC in Portsmouth, VA and previously at the Perryman Company in Houston, PA, both as a CNC Machinist.

Mark Aaron enlisted in the United States Army in 1989 and received an Honorable Discharge in 1992.

Mark Aaron had a loving generous heart for his family and friends, always humorous and a man of wisdom.  Loved him some football (Cowboys).  His friends and family will assure that he had a special relationship with our Lord and Savior.

Mark Aaron leaves to cherish his precious memory his wife Dina Bolden, his loving children Jordan Neal (Jackie) Pittsburgh, VA, Victoria Bolden (Columbia, SC), Shamari Bolden (Chicago, IL) and Gabriella Torres (Adeline) Newport News, VA.  He leaves behind 8 grandchildren.  Sisters: Kimberly Holmes, St. Louis, MO, Lynnette B. Bolden, Hampton, VA, and Kenisha Ward, Columbus, OH. Brothers: Kendall Ward Jr. (Angel) Auburn, WA, Bennie Williams III, Virginia Beach, VA, Kelvin Ward, Lima, OH, and Karlton Ward, Hinesville, GA.  Special brother/cousin Timothy Mazzei Williams (Nicole) Laurel, MD.

He also leaves to cherish his memory his Aunts: LaVerdia Duncan, Lima, OH, Dorothy J. Parks, Lima, OH, Maranda Cain, Lima OH, Anna Cain, Lima, OH. Uncles: Michael V. Bolden, Lima, OH, Robert Bolden (Cynthia), Humble, TX, Carlton Griffith (Blonda) Ft. Washington, MD, and Calvin Griffith III (Cynthia) Lima, OH.

And a host of special cousins, and friends from all over the country.

Mark Aaron is preceded in death by maternal grandparents Margarette (Granny) Winchester, Lima, OH, James E. Bolden, Lima, OH. Paternal grandparents Kathryn Elizabeth Griffith, Lima OH, Calvin Griffith Jr. and Tommie Sylvester Cain, Lima, OH. Special Nephew/Son: Deangelo Bolden.

Memorial service arrangements are being made by Cooke Brothers Funeral Chapel 1601 27th St., Newport, News VA and Jones Clark Funeral Home 1302 Oakland Pkwy, Lima, Ohio 45805.

A memorial service (Celebration of Life) will be held at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church 1406 St. Johns Ave., Lima, Ohio on July 5th 2025.