Jerry Don Ward

Jerry Don Ward, age 81, of Palestine, Texas, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his devoted family on Wednesday, the 22nd day of February 2023.  He was born in Magnolia, Arkansas, on the 25th day of December 1941 to parents J.D. Ward and Mildred Bass Ward.

Mr. Ward graduated from Lafayette High School in Lafayette, Louisiana in 1960. Shortly after he began studying mechanical engineering at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette before joining the United States Marine Corps, in which he served his country with pride from 1964 until 1970. During his time in the service, he also went on to study engineering mechanics and mathematics at Louisiana State University, where he graduated with his engineering degree in 1966. 

Mr. Ward was a talented and very smart man.  He worked as a field supervisor for Ward Drilling Company from 1972 until 1979, and as an engineer for Sun Oil Company before retiring in 1986 at the early age of 53. Mr. Ward had a passion for airplanes and once worked as a seaplane pilot. He was an exceptional pilot that everyone trusted.

As a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Palestine, Texas, he served faithfully. He held priesthood office as an elder. 

He was always punctual and well organized. Mr. Ward was a loyal husband, father, grandfather, and friend, that you could call on for anything. He will be greatly missed by his loving family, devoted friends, and all the wonderful individuals who knew and loved him. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched.

Mr. Ward is preceded in death by his parents J.D. and Mildred Ward. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Jo Marie Ward; daughters, Catharine Dillie, Crystal Patterson, and Caroline Patterson; sons, Brian Christopher Ward, Kenneth Patterson, Kevin Patterson, and Kurtis Patterson; brother, Carl Ward and wife Aimee; grandchildren, Brandon, Joseph, Ember, and Ryder. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.

A funeral service to honor Mr. Ward’s life is to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning, on Saturday, the 4th day of March 2023 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Palestine, Texas.  Interment is to follow at one o’clock in the afternoon at Holly Springs Cemetery in Martins Mill, Texas.

Friends are invited to visit with the family thirty minutes prior to the beginning of the service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Palestine, Texas.   

Funeral services for Jerry Don Ward are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. We invite you to take a moment to share fond memories and words of comfort with his family by selecting the "Share a Memory" icon.

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