Michael Dwayne Ward
1962 – 2018
Michael Dwayne Ward, age 56, passed away on October 26, 2018. He was born in Memphis, TN on June 13, 1962 to Louella Downey Ward and Robert Ferrell Ward, Jr.
Mike lived his life to make others happy. A hard-working, mild mannered man, he always selflessly cared for others and put everyone else’s needs first. He was always finding ways to give and do for others, never expecting anything back. He never complained of work, pain or heartache. After growing up in Ponca City, OK and graduating from high school, Mike proudly served in the US Navy as a submariner from July 1986 to July 1995. He travelled to many places in the Navy, being known as “Walrus” by his friends. Taking pride in everything that he did and never complaining, Mike was always meticulous and neat. He loved food, especially his favorites, Mexican food and margaritas. He had a love for Mountain Dew, always drinking two a day. Staples at his house were Chips Ahoy Deluxe Chocolate Chunk cookies and, since childhood, Nestle Nesquik chocolate powder with milk, though he would often have a cold beer every now and then. Mike was a gentleman, and no one knew this better than his wife, Lori. At the Blue Mesa Café in Dallas on his 50th birthday, he had his first date with Lori, giving her the first of many roses which she has kept to this day. They fell in love, and from that time on, he found every way he could to show it, buying her a present every month they dated. After proposing on Christmas Eve in 2013, Mike married Lori on May 17, 2014. They shared many happy memories in their 6 years together. After 21 years at Texas Instruments, he retired young at the age of 55 to travel and ride his motorcycle with Lori every chance he could. Motorcycles were one of his life’s passions, and he was a member of the “HOG” or Harley Owners Group from 2012 onward. He and Lori travelled many places, even attending the Sturgis Rally in 2016 on his bike. A loving son, husband, father and grandfather, Mike’s humble and caring spirit will be missed by all those he lived for and loved.
Left to honor his memory is his beloved wife, Lori Ward; daughter, Kerye Ward of Dallas, TX; son, Tim Ward and wife, Ximena Alexandra Alegria Ward; step-daughters, Staci Patterson and husband, Walter, of Galveston, TX and Brea Meadows and husband, Craig, of Wylie, TX; step-sons, Brayden Adams and fiancé, Taryn Wheeler; grandchildren, Onyx Ward, Alejandro Ward, MJ Chapman, Shania Herndon, Jaxton Meadows, Carlee Meadows, Marlon Alegria and Leonel David Ward Alegria; his mother; and sister, Jere Lee Fleming.
Those preceding Mike in death are his father and brother, Ronald Ferrell Ward.
Mike’s life-honoring service will be Saturday, November 10th, 2018 at 2:00 at Cowboy Church on the Rock, 13803 US-90, Beaumont, TX 77713, with Pastor Kenny Miller officiating.
In lieu of flowers and in honor of Mike's memory, donations may be to: Southeast Texas Veteran's Service Group, P.O. Box 12352, Beaumont, TX 77726.
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