Robert Clifton "Bob" Ward

Robert 'Bob" Clifton Ward, 97, of Madison, AL, passed from this life Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Bob was born on September 16, 1928, in Jackson, Mississippi to Roy Fleming and Francis (Thompson) Ward. Bob began working for Southern Airways in October 1950 and worked in Tupelo, MS; Natchez, MS; Greenville, SC; St. Louis, MO; Mobile, AL; Gulfport, MS; and Huntsville, AL. He retired in November of 1985 as station manager of Republic Airlines in Huntsville, AL, where he worked most of his career.

His hobbies included coin and stamp collecting, wood carving and woodworking, and pool playing. Regarding pool, Bob competed and won state championships! He was also involved in Kiwanis International and the Huntsville Senior Center. One of his greatest passions was to travel with his wife, both internationally and stateside. He was a member of University Baptist Church/Church on the Hill for almost 50 years and was their oldest member! One love that Bob had was working with the Gideons International. As a Gideon, he distributed over 1000 Bibles to hotels or offered them to complete strangers on every occasion possible.

Robert spent the last year and a half at The Neighborhood in Madison, AL where he made many new friends, and they took excellent care of him.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Anna Broome Lasseter; his wife of 50 years, Delora Klemm Ward; brother, Edward Ward; sister, Margaret Furlow; and grandsons, Stephen Neal Ward and Anthony Clay Ward.

He is survived by his children and their spouses, Allan and Debbie Ward, Charlotte and Dwaine Simmons, and Debbie Neis; grandchildren, their spouses, and great-grandchildren include: Andrew Mark and Jessica Ward and with great-grandson, Elijah Clayton Ward; Laura Abigail Ward; great-grandson Brycen Clay Ahrens; Caleb and Della Simmons with great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Hazel Simmons; Christina Simmons; Clifton Simmons; Leanna and Hunter Edger with great-grandchild, Magnolia; and Jason and Lindsay Robison with great-grandchildren, Warren and Carter Robison.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be sent to Gideons International (Huntsville West Camp, P.O. Box 22555, Huntsville, AL 35814).

There will be a private family graveside for the immediate family.