James William Ward, 86, of LeFlore, OK passed away Wednesday, September 21, 2011 in Fort Smith, AR. James was born January 3, 1925 in Vantress, OK to Hollie James William & Julia Ann (French) Ward. He was a veteran of the US Army serving in 3rd Battalion CO.K 115th Inf. Regiment, 5th Army, 29th Infantry Division. He was a WWII veteran involved in the D-Day landings in Normandy, a purple heart recipient; Presidential Unit Citation; Combat Infantry Badge, Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon, Theater Ribbon. He had 3 Bronze Service Stars. He was retired from working at the VA Hospital. He was a farmer and loved to garden. He was preceded in death by his parents and foster brother, Roy Walters.
Survivors include his wife, Juanita of the home; sons & daughters in law, Ronnie & Karen Ward of Norman, OK, Mike & Patty Ward of LeFlore, OK; daughter & son in law, Nita & Don Chitwood of LeFlore, OK; grandchildren, Julie & Danny Atwell, Teri & Nick Starr, Dustin & Kasey Ward, Lindsay & Jeremy Farris, Brad & Penny Neal, Joanna Roberts, Jodi & Shawn Ward, Jami & Cody Blaylock, Micha Chitwood, Ashley Chitwood, Daton & April Chitwood; 19 Great Grandchildren; sisters & brothers in law, Barbara & Wayne Austin of Wilburton, OK, Dora & Bill Willard of Red Oak, OK, Margaret Austin of Minco, OK; numerous nieces & Nephews, other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.
Services will be 2 pm, Saturday, September 24, 2011 at the LeFlore Baptist Church, LeFlore, OK with Rev. Jim Cook and Rev. Ron Bess officiating. Interment will follow in LeFlore Cemetery, LeFlore, OK. Pallbearers will be Mike Deere, Dallas Ward, Larry Ryles, Larry McAlester, Casey Warren, Darrell Epperly, Jimmy Booth, James Cantwell. Honorary pallbearers will be Lee Zuck, Harvey Walden, Bill Ward, Frank Carpenter, Harold Mings, Kenny Monroe.
The family will be at the funeral home on Friday evening from 5-7 pm to visit with relatives and friends.
You may leave an online message at evansandmillerfuneralhomes.com