Fred Darrell Ward

Fred Darrell Ward of Huntsville, Texas, passed away on October 6, 2016. He was born April 8, 1929, in the Washburn community, Sebastian County, Arkansas, to the late William Olen Ward and Mattie Louise (Beach) Ward. Fred attended Greenwood High School in Greenwood, Arkansas, then joined the Army and spent two years on occupation duty in Japan. After attending classes at the University of Arkansas, Fort Smith Junior College, and Arkansas Tech University, he was accepted into the Navy Flight Training program. After marrying the former Myra Ann Joiner in 1952, he became a Marine Corps aviator, serving during the Korean War. After his release from active duty, he received both his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Geology from the University of Oklahoma. He worked as a geologist for Damson Oil before becoming the President/CEO of Gulfstream Petroleum Corporation in Houston. He then turned his talents and attention to raising and breeding award-winning Hereford cattle through J Bar F Ranch in Normangee, Texas. He served as President of the Texas Hereford Association in 1990, was a member of both the Army and Marine Corps Reserves, and was an elder and long-time member of the North Madison Church of Christ in Madisonville, Texas. He was a caring and faithful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who loved his family, his church, Oklahoma Sooner football, military history, good westerns, and Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Myra; his son, Steve Ward and wife Margaret of Huntsville, Texas; his son, David Ward and wife Priscilla of Bastrop, Texas; his daughter, Wendy Ward Lair and husband Craig of Little Rock, Arkansas; seven grandchildren – Sarah Ward King (James), Caitlin Ward, Nicholas Ward, Brandon Pugel (Elizabeth), Cooper Lair, and Sophie Lair; and three great-grandchildren – Jayden Pugel, J.J. King, and Abigail King. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM till 11:00 AM on Monday, October 10, 2016 at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville, Texas. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 10, 2016 in the chapel at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville, Texas. There will be a graveside service at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at Liberty Cemetery in Greenwood, Arkansas. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund or the National Stroke Association.

Fred Darrell Ward

April 8, 1929 - October 6, 2016