Joseph Merrill Ward

Joseph Merrill Ward, age 78, of Tolar, Texas, went to be with his Lord on December 11, 2025. Joe was born to Victor Merrill Ward and Bonny Carroll (Jones) Ward on October 22, 1947 in Topeka, Kansas.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his infant sister, Carroll Ward.
Joe is survived by his loving wife, Beverly Sue Ward. Joe and Beverly met when they shared a class together at the Alamogordo Community College in New Mexico and have been married 51 years. Beverly was by his side, holding his hand, when Joe went to his Heavenly home. Joe loved Beverly and always did his best to take good care of her.
Joe is survived by his siblings: Victor Ward (Linn), Gene Ward (Joyce), Carmen Brady (Ed) and Carolyne Ward.
Joe is survived by his nieces and nephews: Kimberly Ward, Daniel Ward (Candice), and Tori Flores (James), and his great nieces and nephews: Abigail Ward, Thaddeus Ward, Esther Ward, Gideon Ward, Eli Flores and Macaria Flores. Joe is also survived by a large family by marriage to his beloved Beverly, who loved him dearly.
Joe proudly served his country in the New Mexico and Texas National Guard (Army).
Joe worked many years in the power industry. He worked for Dallas Power and Light, Glen Rose Nuclear Power Plant and Brazos Electric. He enjoyed retiring to his home where he grew pecans, maintained pastures and raised various livestock.
Joe was an active member of the Bluff Dale Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and a Griefshare Facilitator. Joe demonstrated God's love, each day, by using his gift of service to help anyone that God placed in his path.
Joe was also a member of the Mason and Shriner organizations.
Joe touched the lives of everyone who knew him. His sense of humor, strong presence and his lightness made him easy to love.
Joe leaves behind a legacy of love, courage and tenacity that will live on in the hearts of his family, friends and community.
A memorial service will be held at Bluff Dale Baptist Church on Monday, December 15th, at 11:00 am. Visitation will be an hour before, at 10:00 am.
On December 17th at 11:00 am, Joe will have a military grave-side service at Monte Vista Cemetery in Alamogordo, New Mexico, followed by a Celebration of Life ceremony. Joe will be laid to rest at the Monte Vista Cemetery facing the mountains he loved.
The family thanks everyone for their prayers, support and condolences. In lieu of flowers, Joe would be honored for donations to be send to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Samaritan's Purse or Tunnels to Towers.