Ward, Chester Harold

Submitted by
Sue Hearon, 2002-03
Sue & Earl's Web

Chester Harold Ward, 78, of Pocola, passed away Thursday, June 26, 2003, in Fort Smith, Ark.

He was preceded in death by one son, David; two brothers, Kenneth and Wendell; and one sister, Genevieve Bruesch.

Survivors include his wife Bessie of the home; two sons, Steve Ward of Rock Island and Jeff Ward of Little Rock, Ark.; one sister, Alice McHughes of Norman; four grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 30 in Memorial Park Cemetery at Heavener under the direction of Dowden Funeral Home of Heavener.

Chester Harold Ward, 78, of Pocola passed away Thursday, June 26, 2003. He was a dedicated husband, father and union man, and will be deeply missed. Born in Okmulgee, Okla., he married Bessie Douglass in 1943. They lived in Norman, Okla., for a time before eventually settling in Southern California, where they raised three boys. After his retirement from Texaco Oil, he and Bessie returned to Oklahoma and built a house in Summerfield. They have lived in Pocola since 1996, and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past March 8.

Chester will be remembered as a pillar of his family, and for his quiet strength, determination, self-reliance and kindness. He was also an avid gardener and had a deep love of the written word.

He was preceded in death by his oldest son, David. He is survived by his wife, Bessie; two sons, Steve Ward of Rock Island and Jeff Ward of Little Rock; one sister, Alice McHughes of Norman, Okla.; two daughters-in-law, Donna and Kay; niece, Kathy Thompson; four grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, relatives and friends.

Graveside service was held Monday, June 30, at Heavener Cemetery under the direction of Dowden Funeral Home of Heavener.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Salvation Army of Leflore County, P.O. Box 12600, Oklahoma City, OK 73157-2600.

Heavener Cemetery