of Batesville, AR
March 23, 1956 - February 7, 2025
John William Ward, 68, of Batesville passed away Friday, February 7, 2025.
He was born March 23, 1956 in Marion, Ohio to Robert Donald Ward and Marjorie Louise Wynd Ward.
John served 35 years with Arkansas Legislative Audit and was a deacon at North Heights Church of Christ. He enjoyed telling jokes, making people happy and never met a stranger. He also enjoyed traveling, going to Disney and on cruises, visiting Ohio and being at Lakeside. John liked gardening, cooking, fishing, fooseball and doing anything with his family.
He loved listening to 70's rock, Jethro Tull, ''Holy, Holy, Holy'', ''It Is Well With My Soul'', and countless others. John was always singing and would turn up the music in the basement and sing to the girls upstairs. John also enjoyed cooking homemade pizza and jalapeno poppers and reading, studying and learning all he could from the Bible.
John loved God, his family and his church family. The Batesville community has always been family to him. He wants everyone to make sure they know Christ. One of his favorite passages he wanted to share is the entire chapter of Romans 6, specifically verses 3-5.
Survivors include his wife, Sharon Wright Ward of the home; three daughters, Sarah Jarvis (Ben) of Little Rock, Stephanie Platt (Hunter) of Batesville and Shelby Hill (Brandon) of Batesville; two brothers, Bob Ward (Denise) of Pennsylvania, Dick Ward (Janet) of Ohio; one sister, Debbie Inman (Bo) of Ohio; brother-in-law, Myron Buczak of Ohio; mother-in-law, Sarah Drucilla ''Drue'' Wright of Alabama; eight grandchildren, Ollie (Sabine) Kwizera, Caden Platt, Zander Jarvis, Aubrey Platt, Corrie Jarvis, Kenzie Platt, Lottie Jarvis and Finnley Hill; one great-grandson, RJ Kwizera and more family and friends than we can list. He was also looking forward to meeting his first great-granddaughter in another week.
He is preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Susie Buczak; one grandson, Jean Yves Ishimwe and his father-in-law, Doyal Wright.
Pallbearers are Jesse Cargill, Zach Harber, Josh McIntosh, Ryan Moody, David Reese and Luke Williams.
Graveside services will be held Monday, February 10, 2025 at 2:00pm under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home at Kyler Cemetery with Alex Mills officiating.
Following the services, a gathering of remembrance will be held at the North Heights Church of Christ at 4:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to North Heights Church of Christ Youth Group, 200 Warrior Road, Batesville, AR, 72501.
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26 Condolence(s)
Doug Cates
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Sharon, Sorry to hear about Mr. Wards passing.
Margie Young Maketich
Saturday, February 15, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. I am Aunt Sarah Young’s daughter. Your second cousin.
Ollie Kwizera
Monday, February 10, 2025
2 Timothy 4:7-8
"I have fought the good fight. I have completed the race. I have kept the faith. The victor’s crown of righteousness is now waiting for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on the day that he comes, and not only to me but also to all who eagerly wait for his appearing."
Rest in eternal peace of God, Gpa. You fought the good fight, completed the race, and kept the faith. We love you and we miss you so much already.
Diane Richardson
Monday, February 10, 2025
Sharon & girls,
I was so saddened by hearing the news of John. It sounds like even with his diagnosis he handled it like a champ. He did several audits for us at Southside while I was bookkeeper there. One thing I always remember he loved to ask students if they had their hall pass when the would come to admin. If they didn’t he would pull out his badge & tell them they had to go back to the office & get their hall pass! (Just kidding he would say). John will be missed by so many, but I know he has a perfect new body now. He isn’t hurting or struggling anymore.
Sharon you & family will be in my thoughts & prayers throughout the coming weeks. May God bless you with comfort during this time.
Hugs & prayers
Myron Buczak
Monday, February 10, 2025
Rest in peace brother. You raised a wonderful family. That are all very proud of you and Sharon.
Now you will know all the answers.
Marty Wong
Sunday, February 9, 2025
I am saddened by John’s passing but rejoice that he is now enjoying a new spiritual body as he dwells in God’s house. He inspired many with his great faith and quick wit and humor. I will remember him whenever I hear or read of a “Dad” joke. My prayers are with him and Sharon and their family.
Helen Wong
Sunday, February 9, 2025
Please accept my sincere condolences. It was such an honor meeting John and Sharon for the first time before our Hawaiian cruise in 2023. I am so thankful for the friendship that we had. I appreciated his kindness and humor that he always showed. I take comfort in knowing that he is in the strong arms of our loving God. May God bless Sharon and family with comfort and peace.
Holly m hastings
Sunday, February 9, 2025
We will miss John so much. He always had a smile on his face. We will be. praying for you all. Heavens gain our loss.
Myron Buczak
Sunday, February 9, 2025
Rest in peace brother. You raised a wonderful family. That are all very proud of you and Sharon.
Now you will know all the answers.
Lee Roy Brewer
Sunday, February 9, 2025
So sorry for your loss. I met John when I worked at the administration office of the Midland School District and he was doing our audit. He always had a smile on his face and was easy to work with during the audit process. He was very fair and professional in his work. He will be missed very much. Prayers for all the family that God would give strength and comfort to everyone during this trying time.
Jacqui McSpadden
Sunday, February 9, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends. My boys went to school with Stephanie and Shelby. May your memories give you some comfort.
Laquida Isaacs
Sunday, February 9, 2025
You & yours are in my prayers . John was such a joy to know. Remember his joy in life & liver likewise as you find you new normal. Love you.
Reta Duncan
Sunday, February 9, 2025
Sharon, I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. John was a good man. Always smiling. My prayers will be with you and your family at this time.
Jimmy and Ladene Bray
Sunday, February 9, 2025
Sharon and family,
Our hearts are broken for you, but we believe John has received his reward that he has lived for his entire life. We love you all and are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob Nickel
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Hey Sharon and family,
So sorry to hear about your loss. Prayers and hugs for you and your family.
Jennifer Giannoni (Jones)
Saturday, February 8, 2025
I’m so sorry to hear the news of Mr. Ward’s passing. I grew up with Stephanie and spent many nights at the Ward home. The Ward family was always so kind to me and I have so many great memories of being in their home and the laughs Mr. Ward could always create with his jokes and silliness! Sending so much love to all of you during this difficult time.
Chris Black
Saturday, February 8, 2025
I will always remember John for his love of God, love of family and his sense of humor. I will truly miss your jokes after church. Prayers go out to Sharon and the family in this trying time.
Chris and Evelyn Black
Saturday, February 8, 2025
John ward was a great person ,positive attitude in every aspect. He was quick wtted and a good joke teller. But the most thing I liked was his smile and always glad to see ya. A strong family that I love dearly. He will be missed, but glad he's in the arms of Jesus.
Jean Ferrell
Saturday, February 8, 2025
So sorry to hear of the loss of John. I attended Sharon and John’s wedding in Piketon, Ohio. My daughter was an either junior bridesmaid or flower girl ( not sure). I have such fond memories of John. I remember visiting with them ( pre children) in Blytheville on our way the Sunset.
Prayers and hugs to the family
Linda Ransom
Saturday, February 8, 2025
My deepest sympathy to the entire family. To have know John was to know the meaning of Christian love. What a blessing he was to so many. Prayers continue for comfort.
Randy & Melissa Goodman
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. John was a wonderful man, full of life love and joy. He always made people smile and laugh, he loved people well. Praying God’s peace and comfort for you. Love you all!
Candy Case
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Sharon,
So sorry for your loss. I remember John and all of your sweet family from when I worked for Dr Bob Smith. Sending prayers and sincere condolences.
Lindsey Bell
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Uncle John was one-of-a-kind and I will miss his jokes and his funny stories. But most of all, I will miss HIM!!! Everyone needs an “Uncle John” and I’m so thankful he was ours.
Brad & Linda Dickerson
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Sending all our love. We love John and the beautiful family he helped make.
Myron Buczak
Saturday, February 8, 2025
Rest in peace brother. You raised a wonderful family. That are all very proud of you and Sharon.
Now you will know all the answers.
Ina Lee Henley
Saturday, February 8, 2025
I am sorry for you about John's passing but not for him. I prayed for him every morning when I prayed. He is singing around the throne....I loved John. I hauled his hay one day from the Birdcage. I was still finding straw about a year later. He has just changed his address but left his precious family to remember their good memories. See you later, John...