Obituary for Kenneth Ward
A Celebration of Life for Kenneth Ray Ward of Sulphur Springs will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the First Baptist Church Sanctuary with Pastor Jeff Gravens officiating. The family will welcome friends and loved ones at 10:00 AM prior to the service. Interment will follow at the Union Cemetery.
Kenneth was born on March 18, 1930, in Goldthwaite, Texas, the son of J.V. (Buddy) and Gertie Ward. He entered into Heaven on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the age of 95. Kenneth spent his early childhood in the communities of Hatchetville, Arbala, and Shooks Chapel before his family moved into Sulphur Springs. He graduated from Sulphur Springs High School and began working for Merrell Chevrolet, which later became Gober-Merrell. There, he learned the Auto-Parts business which provided a life-long career in service to the community.
On June 25, 1949, he married the love of his life – Marjorie Lee McKeever. This marriage happily, spanned almost 75 years, ending only when God called Marjorie to Heaven in January 2024. Throughout their marriage, Kenneth always made sure “Margie” got whatever she wanted. He would put aside his own thoughts if they were different from hers so he could make her happy and content. To his family he displayed the strong characteristics of a loving husband and what a strong, Christ-centered marriage should be.
Kenneth is survived by his three daughters: Margaret Thomas of Montgomery, Texas; Jerry Burks Watkins and Charlie of McKinney, Texas; and Jackie O’Quinn and Danny of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Also surviving are Grandchildren: Mindy Thomas Fisher and Cody of McKinney, Texas; Heather Thomas of San Antonio, Texas; Brandon Burks and Amy of New Llano Louisiana; Bradley Burks of Quitman, Texas; Brian O’Quinn and Debbie of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Julia O’Quinn Brady and Tom of Bayville, New Jersey; and nine great-grandchildren.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marjorie, his parents, J.V. (Buddy) and Gertie Ward, his son-in-law Wayne Thomas, brothers G.W. (Bill) Ward and Wilbur Lee Ward, sisters Beatrice McCauley, Marcel Stroud, and Christine Wright.
Throughout his life, Kenneth displayed three strong characteristics. His love for family, his strong work ethic, and most importantly his love and devotion to his Lord Jesus Christ. He demonstrated love and devotion to his family and extended family by doing what he could for anyone needing his help. He learned at a very early age how to work hard which continued until his final “retirement” at the age of 90 years. Last, he was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Sulphur Springs, and was always in attendance until his health prevented it.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the tender care Kenneth received while living at Hopkins Court in Sulphur Springs, from the nurses, aides with Heart-to-Heart Hospice, and the many private caretakers who assisted the family in Kenneth’s care.
Pallbearers will be Bradley Burks, Brian O’Quinn, Cody Fisher, Aaden Fisher, Charlie Watkins, Fred McCauley, Jeff Ward and Rick Burks.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Danny O’Quinn, Brandon Burks, Tom Brady and Danny McCauley.
Arrangements are under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home. www.westoaksfuneralhome.com
