Joe Ward Jr

Joe Bailey Ward, Jr. was born on December 13, 1922 in Whitney, Texas to Joe Bailey and Ina Simmons Ward and died on February 8, 2005 in Jacksonville, Arkansas. Mr. Ward was the Valedictorian of Whitney High School class of 1941. Shortly after graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Nell Basham. Mr. Ward then volunteered for military service in late 1942. His Air Force career took him around the world and included many medals and honors including ?Outstanding Master Sergeant of Headquarters 8th Air Force.? Mr. Ward was most proud to have served his country through military operations during World War II, the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Kennedy assassination. Mr. Ward also enjoyed a later career with the United States Postal Service. After retirement he was active in the VFW in Whitney and in 1999 the VFW gave him the national honor of ?All American District Commander.? Mr. Ward was also active in other civic organizations and once served as the president of the Whitney High School Ex-Student Association. Mr. Ward is survived by his lifelong sweetheart and wife of 63 years, Nell Basham Ward, of Jacksonville, Arkansas, and daughters, Jean Cure of Jacksonville, Arkansas, Tina Patterson of Cabot, Arkansas and Bailey Ward of Fernley, Nevada. Also cherishing his memory are four grandchildren, Anna Oberste and husband, Larry of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Melissa Simons of Cabot, Arkansas, Malcolm Patterson and wife, Mickie, of Auburn, Washington and Whitney Burns and husband, Jay, of Sherwood, Arkansas and six great-grandchildren; sister, Mildred Blaydes of Bossier City, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Buford Ward. Memorials may be sent to King Memorial Methodist Church, PO Box 612, Whitney, TX 76692 or to the VFW Post 8571 Patriot Pen Essay Fund, PO Box 874, Whitney, TX 76692