of Marshall, AR

August 16, 1940 - December 14, 2024

Joe Dale Ward Sr., age 84, of Marshall, Arkansas passed from this earthly life on Saturday, December 14th, 2024 at Highland Court in Marshall. He was born in Imo, Arkansas on August 16th, 1940 to Jesse Carroll Ward Sr. and Essie Ann Treat Ward. Joe Dale married Melba Jean Crockett on July 1st, 1960 in a Baptist Church in Cahokia, Illinois by Dr. Prince. To this union two children were born, Jacqueline Yvonne Ward and Joe Dale Ward Jr.

Joe accepted the Lord when he was a child and was baptized at the Little Red River. After graduation he moved to Allerton, Illinois to live with his sister and brother-in-law, Gerry and Tut Latinette. Gerry had him a job at Duro Chrome in St. Louis, Missouri which was the same place where Melba's family worked. He worked there until the factory closed down. Joe went to work for a packing house in East St. Louis for a couple of years and also worked as a night watchman. When Joe moved to Arkansas, he worked at the flooring mill with Ray Ward as a carpenter and at the Flintrock Shirt Factory as a maintenance supervisor. While working at Flintrock he got his Boiler's License and when the factory closed, he became an independent contractor. Joe had his construction, electrical and plumbing license. He worked with Larry Campbell, Dale Ward and Larry Tumbleson. Joe retired in May of 2009.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Melba Jean Crockett Ward of the home; children, Joe Dale Ward Jr. of Marshall and Jacqueline Tumbleson and husband, Scott of Marshall; two grandsons, Joe Dale Crockett Ward and Devin Elliott; Crockett was born on Joe and Melba's anniversary, July 1st, 1998, that was their best present ever; sister, Bonnie Drewry and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who will also mourn his passing.

Joe Dale is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Essie Ward; siblings, Jesse Carroll Ward Jr., Ross Ward, Duell Mainord, Geraldine Latinette and Maudie England and one nephew, Richie Drewry.

Funeral services for Joe Dale will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 18th, 2024 at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. Paul Rucker and Bro. Shirl Williams officiating. Visitation will be 1:00 till 2:00 PM preceding the service. Burial will be in Canaan Cemetery. Bearers will be Donnie Mainord, Adam Henry, Davy Mainord, Ethan Ragland, Richard (Ricky) Drewry and James Tilley. Honorary bearers will be Craig Loggins, Devin Elliott, Don Nickel, Clint Beavers, Clifford DePriest, Dewayne Mainord, JC Beavers, James Ragland, Norbet Novak, Steve Ward, Mike Ward, Chuck Raby, Frank Ward, Mark Tilley, J.O. Drewry, Ty Henry and Larry Latinette.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Coffman Funeral Home
923 Highway 65 North
Marshall, AR  72650
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com