Robert Emmett Ward

Robert Emmett Ward, Jr., known to everyone as Bob or Bobby, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026, at the age of 87. He was a man of deep faith who will always be remembered by his quick wit and his devotion to family. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his first son, Derek Ward. His legacy lives on through his wife of 65 years, Jonell; his children: Karen Morales, Linda Egan (Mark), and Gary (Natalie); and nine grandchildren: Robert, Tino, Christopher, Piper, Juliet, Ellie, Andrew, Kathryn, and Ryan.

Early Life and Education

Bob was born on March 4, 1939, in Monahans, Texas, to Robert Emmett Ward and Golia Pearl Morelan. Some of his fondest memories were of his childhood. Although his beginnings were humble, they were filled with love and the freedom that came with growing up in the wide-open spaces of West Texas. While attending college at Texas Tech University, he made the most pivotal decision of his life when he was baptized into Christ. He went on to graduate from Texas Tech in 1961 with a degree in Civil Engineering. His academic pursuits were briefly paused for honorable service as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army until 1965. Following his military service, he earned a Master’s Degree in Business from the University of Houston in 1967, setting the stage for a career in banking with South Main Bank, Texas Commerce Bank, and Citizens Bank.

A Legacy of Faith and Family

On December 26, 1960, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Sallie Jonell Pickett, and together they built a life centered on faith. In 1965, they began worshipping at Bellaire Church of Christ, where Bob served as a deacon and remained a devoted member for more than sixty years. He was known for his steady commitment to serving the Lord, often sharing his wisdom by teaching classes, offering prayers, and delivering sermons.

Bob was an avid sports fan with a huge love for Texas Tech Red Raiders football and Houston Astros baseball. If either were on the TV, it was best to let him be. That same passion carried over to his children, where his love of sports and drive for excellence showed up on the sidelines, in the stands, and in countless backyard practices. He attended every game his children played and even most practices. He loved coaching his children’s baseball, softball, and basketball teams, but his “coaching” didn’t stop when the game ended. He believed in discipline, hard work, and education, and he made sure his children heard all three messages early and often.

That hands-on, all-in approach to parenting extended well beyond sports. His children will never forget his unique take on driver's education. Starting as early as age ten, Bob would tuck them into the middle of the front bench seat of his Oldsmobile, letting them steer through the streets of Houston while he managed the pedals, a slightly terrifying and thoroughly unforgettable rite of passage that perfectly captured his adventurous spirit.

Bob was a self-proclaimed “news junkie,” with an insatiable appetite for talk radio and Fox News, much to the amusement (and occasional eye-rolling) of his children. He was a devoted grandfather who took great pride in the interests and accomplishments of his grandchildren. Whether it was a game, dance recital, or school performance, he was there. But his favorite moments were at home, listening to their stories, laughing at their antics, and generously serving up bowls of Blue Bell. Bob was also a lifelong dog lover who could never remember a time without a dog by his side. He adored his own dogs and was

always more than happy to “help out” by dog-sitting for his children, an arrangement the dogs enjoyed as much as he did.

Above all his achievements, Bob’s greatest success was the daily demonstration of what it meant to be a faithful and obedient servant to God. He lived his life as a testament to his beliefs, providing a steady moral compass for his family. While his presence will be deeply missed, his family finds immense comfort in the memories of his dry wit, his loving guidance, and his unwavering faith. They remain confident in the promise of Scripture: that he will be given a crown of righteousness.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7