Lawrence Ray Ward

Lawrence Ray Ward was born on May 5, 1938, in Weatherford, Texas to David Harrell and Leta Lawrence Ward. He left this life on June 5, 2021, at the age of 83 years and 1 month in Ft. Worth, Texas. Lawrence was the second of three children. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his older brother, Morris Ward. Lawrence married Carolyn Ann Fraser on February 24, 1961 in Buffalo Gap, Texas. Carolyn passed away in October 2013 after 52 years 8 months and 3 days of marriage. He is survived by his wife of the home, Donna Brooks Ward, his younger sister, Martha Ann Layton of Possum Kingdom Lake, Texas, his 2 children, son Kevin Ward and wife Julie of Redondo Beach, California, daughter Karen Moore and husband Cletus of Hurst, Texas, his seven grandchildren, Leland Moore and wife Jaylee, Haylee Ward Swinford and husband Alan, Laynee Moore Bradford and husband Jonathan, Nathan Moore and wife Amber, Jalayna Ward Hooten, Alexis Moore and Brooklyn Ward, 8 precious great-grandchildren with a 9th on the way, and a host of family and friends.

Lawrence earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Abilene Christian University, a Master of Education degree from ACU and a doctorate in Education and Psychology from Texas Tech University. Lawrence also was a pilot and flight instructor for many years. Beginning in 1972 he and Carolyn served Texas Public Schools as teachers, and later Lawrence entered school administration serving as principal, curriculum director and superintendent. He eventually went back to the classroom to finish out his career. Lawrence and Carolyn retired to Possum Kingdom Lake in 2001.

About four years after Carolyn’s death Lawrence met Donna May Brooks at College Hill church of Christ. They were married there on March 17, 2018. Their marriage was filled with love and companionship for 3 short years. Donna has three children, a son John Brooks, Jr., a daughter Brenda Aubrey,

and a son Clifford Brooks. She also has two grandchildren, Adam Parker and Cassie Hoge, and 1 great grandson. Lawrence loved his extended family. Lawrence and Donna were living in North Richland Hills at the time of his death.

Lawrence was a lifelong member of the church of Christ and his service to his Lord and Savior was so evident in the life he lived. Lawrence was a pulpit minister, Bible class teacher, Bible class curriculum writer, Bible camp teacher, youth leader, deacon, elder, author, and grievance counselor, but most importantly, child of God, and he served as Jesus served. He truly will be missed.