William Ray Ward

William Ray Ward (Bill), 88, passed away February 20, 2016. WWII Veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Navy and National Guard. Employed by El Paso Natural Gas Company for 17 years, Co-founded General Computer Service, President of Bancology. Retired as Vice-President from State National Bank (MBank) and as Executive Director from Consolidated Data Processing-City of El Paso. Founder of Ward Enterprises–Inventor of “Hang-‘Em-High” Boot and Hat Racks. As an active member St. Raphael Catholic Church, Divine Mercy, Roncalli, Open Arms and ACTS Communities, he attended Mass daily. He loved golfing, fishing, gardening and politics but nothing compared to the love he had for God and his family. A loving and generous man, he spent his life surrounded by and caring for his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Known by many as “Mister Wonderful”, family, friends and neighbors could count on Bill for any assistance large or small. Preceded in death by son William Jr., father Jesse, mother Violet, son-in-law Joe Mares. Loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather and godfather who will be truly missed by all who knew him. Survived by Barbara, his loving wife of 65 years, brother Phillip (Nancy), daughters Adonica Mares, Theresa McDonald (Roger), Tamara Berry, Patricia Higdon (Tom). Nine grandchildren; Jose Frescas (Melissa), Jesse Hernandez (Megan), Jennie Jacquez (Alfredo), Shanda McDonald, Cassie Hernandez, Kenneth Berry, Jr. (Monica), Samantha Harris (Andrew), Roger P. McDonald (Angie), Lysa Wirth-McDonald, 19 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, a multitude of nieces and nephews and close family friends Billy Kilgore and Wally Cech. Special thanks to, Rev. Msgr. Victor Kayrouz for his continued spiritual support and willingness to officiate the services; Christy, Irene, and Eduardo from Hospice of El Paso and his many friends and visitors who offered their loving support and assistance.

Visitation 5-9pm, February 29, 2016, Rosary 7pm at Martin Funeral Home Central. Funeral Mass March 1st St. Raphael Catholic Church, 9:30am. Rite of Committal will follow at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Independence Fund.Org.

Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria Del Angel Martin Central, El Paso, TX.