John Taylor Ward, father, grandfather and great-grandfather departed this life on July 13, 2021 at the age of 85. He was born in Dyersburg, TN on July 15, 1935. A memorial service will be held at the Mansfield Church of Christ on Saturday, July 31, 2021. The family will receive visitors at 9:00 a.m. with services following at 10:00 a.m. Burial at Herndon Cemetery in Jonesboro, AR.
Preceding him in death are his wife, Betty Gean Beck Ward; his parents, Ilas Taylor and Rubye H. Ward; brothers, Gene Ward and James Ward.
He is survived by his children, Regina and husband Mike Adkins of Blanchard, LA; Ronnie and wife Melissa Ward of Mansfield, LA; Connie Ward of Longview, TX, Johnna and husband Steve Cosentino of Tyler, TX; thirteen grandchildren, John Ward Strong, James Strong, Philip Adkins, Derrick Adkins and wife Randi, Colton Ward and wife Bree, Connor Ward, Addison Ward, Zoey Ward, Megan McDonald, D.J. Smelley and wife Kyra, Taylor Smelley and wife Crystal, Madeline Moellering and husband Joey, Mathew Cosentino; ten great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ross and Jerry Ward; three sisters, Faye Stinnett, Areva Chesser and Salley Brinkley; and his friend and mentor, Ted Hofius and wife Glenda.
He was a long time member of the Mansfield Church of Christ. He served in the United States Air Force as an aviation mechanic and shared many stories of his time in Greenland, Newfoundland and the Azore Islands. He worked many years for Quality Appliance in Shreveport and later opened his own business, Lake Road Appliance and the Lady Leisure Laundry. He also read meters for the DeSoto Water System. According to anyone that knew him, he could fix anything and never met a stranger. His love of family and Warchestinley Camp will continue to live on with all his family members.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Mansfield Church of Christ, St. Jude Research Hospital or Disabled American Veterans.