~Life Reflections ~

Edward Lee Ward was born on August 4, 1935, in the city of Moulton, TX, to Olender and Emma Lee Ward. He was the third of six children.

Edward accepted Christ as his savior at an early age and began his schooling in Alvarado, TX, and graduated from Peabody High School in Hillsboro, TX. After graduation, he moved to Austin, TX where he took classes at Huston-Tillotson College before returning to Hillsboro and enlisting in the United States Air Force (USAF). He finished basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX, and began his career in food service. It was here he met and married the late Arqulah Mae Ward and became a faithful member of Macedonia Baptist Church where he was ordained and served as a Deacon.

Edward's USAF service led him to an overseas posting in the Central Pacific Ocean Island of Iwo Jima. Upon returning to San Antonio, Edward and Arqulah became the proud parents of Edward DeWayne Ward. Edward again went overseas serving in southern Italy at Reggio Calabria AFB. He returned to San Antonio and then moved his family to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, where he united with the Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church serving on the Usher and Deacon Boards. He later joined the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and continued serving as a deacon.

During his military career Edward earned many citations and certificates and became an expert in running food service operations from cooking to supply chain to nutrition. After serving in the USAF for twenty years, he retired and continued his education at El Paso Community College. He went on to become the chief of food service operations at multiple nursing homes and care facilities. A few years later, he returned to government service as a civil service worker in food service at Fort Carson, CO.

After retiring from civil service, Edward moved to Cedar Hill, TX, where he united with the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. He later joined St. Stephens Community Church where he met and married Irma Dawkins Ward and settled in DeSoto, TX. To this union two stepdaughters were added, Charlotte Moore and Rhonda Hatcher. On December 1, 2004, Edward and Irma united with Community Missionary Baptist Church of DeSoto, TX, under the leadership of Pastor Oscar D. Epps Sr., where he faithfully served as a Deacon until his passing.

Edward loved God and his family. He enjoyed spending time in the kitchen, where he created delicious meals for family and friends, including his famous brisket! He also enjoyed fishing, had a love of cars that he passed on to his son, and was an excellent auto mechanic. He was a caring family man who embraced getting to know new people and could always put a smile on your face with his great sense of humor.

Edward fell asleep in Christ on May 2, 2022. Preceding him were his parents Olender and Emma Ward, brothers, Forrest, Morris Joe, Lester, and Ernest Ward along with one beloved grandson, Bryan Michael Ward.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Irma Ward, his devoted son Edward DeWayne Ward (Tina); stepdaughters, Charlotte Moore (Freddie) and Rhonda Hatcher (Leonard); brother, Olender Ward, Jr. (Alene); Uncle, Robert Pettit (Gloria); grandchildren Edward DeWayne Ward, II (Chloe), Jason Harris, Danielle Star, Andrea Walker (Shelby), Darriun Harris (Kristina); along with ten great grandchildren and a host of cousins, relatives and friends.