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John William "Jay" Ward was born June 5, 1926 in Martin. Tenn. The son of
William Alfred and Helen Marie Schomburg Ward, he grew up and attended school in
Evansville, Ind. where his father was a Baptist minister.
At a very young age, Jay enlisted in the United States Navy serving hiscountry
during World War II in the South Pacific. After his honorabledischarge, he made
his home in East St. Louis, Ill. where he met Shirley E.Archie. They were united
in marriage in Alorton, Ill. on May 29, 1954.
Jay and Shirley moved to Florida where Jay was employed by The BoeingCompany for
over 20 years as an aerospace quality control inspector, and was involved with
the Apollo Missile Project as well as AWAC.
They traveled with his job prior to settling in Houston, where Jay worked for
Houston Lighting and Power, also as a quality control inspector.
Jay and Shirley have made their home in Bellville since May 1995. A member of
the First Baptist Church of Brenham and the Bellville Masonic Lodge 11223, AF &
AM, Jay enjoyed yard work, feeding and watching the birds, spoiling his dog, Bo,
and wood crafts.
He passed away suddenly Friday, Jan. 30, 2004 in Bellville at the age of 77.
He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years Shirley Ward of Bellville;
children Jinx Jenkins, also of Bellville, Jennifer Busby and her husband Mike,
of Sugarland, and Kelley Diaz of Houston; 4 grandchildren, Stephen Ward of
Bellville, Evan Busby of Sugarland, Mickey and Amber Diaz of Houston; sister
Rosalie Kintner and her husband, Paul, of Beaumont and
numerous other dear friends and relatives. He will be missed by his many friends
at Newman's Bakery.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral Service were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004, at the Schmidt
Funeral Home Chapel in Bellville with Duane Kerr officiating. Interment followed
in the Pilgrims Rest Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Mike Busby, Stephen Ward, Evan Busby, Manuel Diaz, David
Oliver, and Vickie Kintner. Honorary pallbearers were J.D. Bradley, Charles
Oliver, Paul Kintner, Carl Jay Kintner and Jay's many dear friends at the
bakery.
Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to the Bellville Masonic Lodge
#223, AF & AM.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Schmidt Funeral Home in
Bellville.
Posted by Joy Neely
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