Thomas L. Ward, age 77, of Tumbling Shoals, Arkansas passed away Monday, November 29th at UAMS in Little Rock, Arkansas. Thomas and wife Carol have resided here since 1997. He was looking for clean air friendly people, good fishing and he found it here.
He was born in LaPlata, Missouri on December 2, 1933 to Harry and Susie Ward.
Thomas graduated from LaPlata High School in 1951 and entered the Air Force in 1953. Thomas was honorably discharged in February 1973 after serving his country for twenty years. He loved the Air Force and his country and was proud of his service. His duty took him all over the world and he brought that world back to his family. He deeply loved his family; he was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather and a devoted husband of 57 years and will be sorely missed.
He was a man of deep spiritual feelings and made his peace with God a few years ago after a serious illness and was ready to go “home” when God called. He loved people and never met a stranger, was interested in everyone and everyone’s story. Thomas loved to tell a joke and knew them all.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters, one remaining brother Gaylord Ward lives in Jefferson City, Missouri.
He is survived by his wife Carol Ward; son, Raymond Ward of High Point, North Carolina; three daughters, Cherie Richmond of Wichita, Kansas, Debbie Ward of Tumbling Shoals, Arkansas, and Mary Beth Ward of Columbia, Missouri, also nine grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held at Heber Springs Funeral Home on Friday, December 3, at 6:00 p.m. Please sign online guestbook at www.heberspringsfuneralhome.com.
