of Mountain View, AR
November 25, 1933 - November 4, 2011
Gerald Von Ward was born November 25, 1933 at Allison, Arkansas. He was the third of six children born to Carl and Cuba Ward. He and his siblings roamed and played the creeks and hollers of Fifty Six and Camp Hedges where he grew up, a place he dearly loved.
Von loved to sing. His first paid singing event was singing with his brother, Carrol, at the Beedeville Deer Camp near Camp Hedges, where the men would toss money to them for their singing.
Von went to school at Fifty Six through the 9th grade, and then went on to Mtn. View where he graduated in 1951. He went to college at Arkansas Technical.
After college Von went to Wichita, Kansas and worked for Boeing Aircraft for two years.
Von married Betty Potter in April of 1956 and to this union three children were born: Becky, Doug and Kelly.
In 1958 Von and Betty moved back to Mtn. View where Von worked for the U.S. Forest Service for thirty-three years. He made many good friends during his time with the Forest Service.
Von was a faithful member of the School Ave. Church of Christ where he served as a deacon, elder, treasurer and song leader. For the past several years, he served as the church secretary.
He is survived by his wife Betty of the home; son Doug Ward and wife Melinda of Jonesboro; daughters Becky Taylor and husband Tommy of Mtn. View and Kelly Davis and husband Chip of Dardanelle; brother Fred Ward and wife Joan of Mtn. View; sister Billie Simpson and husband Lon C.; sister-in-law Lila Ward and brother-in-law Bob Jessen; five grandchildren Amber Taylor, Brad Taylor and wife Callie, Drew and Derek Davis and Tiffany Ward and one great-grandchild Tucker Taylor.
Von was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Cuba Ward, sister Norma Jessen and two brothers Carrol and Kenneth.
Visitation is 6 8 p.m., Sunday, November 6, 2011 at Roller Crouch Chapel, Mtn. View.
Funeral service is 10 a.m., Monday, November 7, 2011 at School Ave. Church of Christ with Bro. Frank Curtis officiating and interment in Flatwoods Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Larry Freeze, John Dan Kemp, Mike Jessen, Dana Woods, Scott Ward and Fred Ward, Jr. Honorary pallbearers are Horace Hudspeth, Don Gibson, T.A. Smith and Buddy Bolin.
Roller Crouch Funeral Home, Mtn. View is in charge of the arrangements.
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18 Condolence(s)
Deana Moody
Friday, November 11, 2011
Becky I have thought about you alot this week and am praying for your family.I will continue to pray for strength to get you through your grief.. If you need me just call.
John Calaway
Friday, November 11, 2011
To the family, Von was one of the nicest men with which I have ever worked and been associated. A true gentleman, loyal, caring, and understanding. His appreciation for friends and family was always obvious. He was a comfortable man to be around.
Please accept our condolences and prayers.
John, Jo, Jason, and Joni Calaway
Louise Morell
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
I worked in the Forest Service Supervisors Office in Russellville for 24 years and had frequent contact with Von. He was a very dedicated and knowledgeable employee. I loved to hear his stories of the Forest Service in the Mtn View Area where he grew up. A lot of history has been lost with his passing. My thoughts are with the family. May the Lord give you peace.
Sue Gammill
Monday, November 7, 2011
All the memories I have of Von are good memories. He was a good man.
Cyndi Wheeless
Monday, November 7, 2011
Kelly
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Cyndi
Annette & Gene Blackwell
Monday, November 7, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with each one of you during this time of sorrow.
Brice Smith
Monday, November 7, 2011
Fred and family so sorry for your loss.
Willie Faye Ivy
Monday, November 7, 2011
I am so sorry to hear about Von passing away. He was such a nice man. I have lots of childhood memories of your family. May God Bless you all during your loss.
Joey Simpson
Monday, November 7, 2011
We are sad to hear the news of Von's passing and are praying for peace and comfort for your families and especially Betty, Doug, Becky and Kelly. He will be missed greatly. Joey & Diane Simpson
Phillip Johnson
Monday, November 7, 2011
Doug,
I just saw the news of your fathers passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today and in the days to come. Although I did not know him it sounds as though, and I am sure he was, a very fine Christian man. He was of the generation that we all could, and should, take inspiration and life lessons from. It is now our job to not let those experiences be forgoten but to pass them on to the next generation.
God Bless
Philli JOhnson
Karon & Charles Rosa
Monday, November 7, 2011
Out thoughts and prayers are with the family of Von Ward.
Mike and Pam Mowery
Sunday, November 6, 2011
You all are in our prayers.
Jim & Nancy Steele
Sunday, November 6, 2011
We are so sorry for your lose. We are proud to say that Von was our friend. He was a very good person, and I know the family will miss him alot. Our prayers and thoughts will be with you.
Jim & Nancy Steele
Vicki and Bill Doolin
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Jacquie Rohr Albright
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Doug,
I had never met or seen your father, so when I saw the photo used in the obituary, I was of course drawn to the features I saw in him that resembled you so much. I am sure that your father was a wonderful man and had a great influence on you and who you are today. Please know that thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bob & Pat Garvin
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Betty we are so sorry to hear of Von's Passing. We are keeping you and the family in our prayers.
Jim Wilcox
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Sending our prayers from the Wilcox family
Marion & Eva Fletcher
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Doug, Mrs. Eva and I extend our sympathy to you and family on the loss of your father. You have many fond memories to cherish. Arkansas Agri Education and Arkansas FFA members also send their thoughts.
May the Good Lord Bless and keep you.