Otha Eugene Ward

A celebration of life service for Otha Eugene "Gene" Ward and Elizabeth Jolene "Jo" Spurlock Ward will be held on Saturday, October 8th, 2016 at 10:00am at the Winnsboro Church of Christ. Mr. Gerald Elliott officiating. Gene and Jo entered into the Lord's presence, on Saturday, October 1st, 2016, just as they had lived, together. Otha Eugene 'Gene" Ward was born in Tiptonville, TN. on August 26, 1932 to the late Taylor Ward and Ruby Huffstudder Ward. Elizabeth Jolene 'Jo" Ward was born outside Jonesboro, AR. on December 13, 1936 to the late Oscar Spurlock and Maude Roberts Spurlock. Gene served, honorably,in the U.S. Air Force for 23 years as a Communications Expert; after his service ended, he worked another 21 years as the Communications Director for Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. Jo was a homemaker, providing a loving home across the globe during Gene's years in the Air Force, and raising their four children. Gene and Jo joined the Winnsboro Church of Christ once moving to Winnsboro. They are preceded in death by their parents; their infant son, Jonathan Ward; Jo's sisters, Mattie Lee Mitchell, Fern White; and her brother, Bob Spurlock. They are survived by one son, David Ward and wife Kaci of Winnsboro; three daughters, Kim Black and husband Michael of Madison, WI., Kay Ward and husband Russ Ward of Ft. Worth, Karen Ward of Rockwall; Gene's seven siblings, John Ward of Shreveport, LA., James Ward and wife Billie of Lubbock, Ross Ward and wife Sylvia of Jonesboro, AR., Jerry Ward and wife Laurel of Jackson, MO., Faye Stinnett of Jackson, MO., Areva Chesser and husband Joe of Jackson, MO., Sally Brinkley and husband Danny of Paragould, AR.; and seven grandchildren, Harmony Dean, Tyler Ward, Keri Wood, Caleb Ward, Ethan Ward, Leah Ward, Abbie Jo Ward. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Camp Deer Run: 1227 CR 4590 Winnsboro, TX 75494 or online at campdeerrun.com. Searcy Children's Home 208 E. Moore Ave, Searcy, AR 72143.