Mr. Thomas "Buddy" Ward

Thomas was born on December 30, 127 in Italy, TX to parents Mildred Faye Carroll-Ward and Thomas Milton “Jack” Ward and entered into eternal rest on April 3, 2015 at the age of 87. Thomas went to school in Italy until the 9th grade. The family moved to Waxahachie where he graduated in 1945. He then moved on to Texas Tech for one year then enlisted in the United States Army for two years and later returned to Texas Tech and graduated in 1950 with a degree in Business. Thomas worked for Texaco as Zone Manager in West Texas for 10 years. He then opened a Ben Franklin store at Kiest & Polk in Oak Cliff for 18 years. He moved to Cedar Creek Lake in the 60’s and in 1976 opened a Ben Franklin store in Gun Barrel City. In 1986 he retired. Thomas was proudest of the fact he helped start Gun Barrel City. He was always ready to tell the story of how Gun Barrel City was started and who all was involved. Tom served on the City Council from 1984-1986. Thomas and Sandra owned the Bluebonnet Emporium in Gun Barrel City from October of 1994 to December of 2012.He was instrumental along with Joe Agnes and John Muirhead in obtaining the 40 acres for Gun Barrel City that now houses the police and fire department. Thomas also was helpful in creating the current EDS and was the first president. After suffering a heart attack in 1987, Thomas decided Gun Barrel City needed a heliport and along with Eston Williams they raised $14,000 to pay for the heliport. He over saw the building and made sure everything was done correctly. When Tom made you a friend, you had a friend for life. His High School Class of 1945 meets once a month in Waxahachie and there is always the same bunch; 10-20 people getting together and reminiscing about the good old days. He will be missed by the old group as well as all the other friends he has acquired through the years.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 29 years; Sandra Ward, sons; Bruce Ward and wife Laurie of Fredericksburg and Curtis Ward and wife Babs of Midland, daughter Brenda Colburn and husband Rob of Dallas, step-son Billy Hall of Arlington, grandchildren; Taylor and Cassie Ward, Lyndsay and Seth Solomon, Alexandria Ward, Shea Colburn, James Quinn Colburn, Dillon Cale Colburn and Trayci Hall, great-granddaughter Paige Solomon, other loving family members and many more friends.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made in Thomas’ honor to; Friends of The Animals P.O. Box 5455 Gun Barrel City, TX. 75147; [email protected] or 903-887-PETS(7387).