Deric J. Ward, 36, of Canton, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Deric Jonathon was born October 2, 1988, in Towanda, a son to Tami Raub and John Bailey. He attended Troy Area Schools and NTCC in Towanda for Auto Body Collison Repair. On January 2, 2015, Deric married the former Amanda Barnes. Together they were married for 10 years and had three daughters. Deric was employed by GM Trucking as a laborer in the oil field industry, where he was lovingly knows as "Mud Flap."

Deric loved the outdoors and nature. Bubby, as affectionately known by many, enjoyed four wheeling and jeepin', especially in the mud. Camping and sitting around a campfire with a cold beer to relax was a favorite past time for Bubby. His cousin, Sheena Raub was his best friend and confidant. She gave them the nickname "The Ride or Die Team", sharing the passions of jeepin' and mudding. Bubby could always find mischief when he was with his brothers, Austen and Jason, and his best friends, Jacob and Jessie. Deric had an extremely tender heart, and he loved deeply. He had a contagious smile and laugh that would light up any room. Above and beyond everything, Deric was a loving husband, daddy, son, grandson, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. Deric loved his girls wholeheartedly; they were his entire world.

Deric leaves behind his wife; Amanda Ward, at home, daughters; Faith, Ariana and Zeinah Raub, mother; Tami Raub (John Rockwell), father; John Bailey (Karen Collette), brothers; Austen (Shawna) Ward and Jason Ward, sisters; Jen (Noah) Depew and Charish Ward, step father; Mike Ward, mammy; Harriett Raub, aunts; Brenda Raub, Karen Raub, Elizabeth Grover and Debbie Johnson, uncles; Larry Raub and James (Cheryl) Bailey, brothers-in-law; Brandon Barnes and Robert (Jessica) Barnes, mother-in-law; Julie Barnes and father-in-law; Robert Barnes, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Deric was predeceased by his poppa; Larry Raub, grandfathers; Glenn Ward and John Bailey Sr., grandmothers; Mary Ward and Gloria Lane, niece; Madisyn Depew and an aunt; Jodi (Gerbino) Raub.

A time of visitation will be held from Noon to 1 P.M. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Drive in Canton. A funeral service will follow at 1 P.M. Burial will be private and a held at the convenience of the family. Memories of Deric and condolences to his family may be shared by visiting www.pepperfuneralhomes.com