Jerry "JDub" Oneal Ward

Jerry O’Neal Ward, known to most as “JDub”, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on September 26, 2026, with his family by his side and in the loving care of the amazing staff of Herman House and Good Shephard Hospice.

Born March 16, 1953, in Corona, California, Jerry was the son of Rowena (Hancock) and J.B. Ward. He graduated from Tulsa’s East Central High School. After graduation, he moved to Ohio, where he worked briefly before returning to Tulsa. Jerry later moved to Houston, where he attended school to become a surgical technologist. After completing his training, Jerry returned to Tulsa and worked at Saint Francis Hospital, then for a group of Orthopedists, before going to work at Doctors Hospital. It was while at Doctors Hospital that Jerry met the love of his life, Ellen, and they were married in 1982. Welcoming their daughter, Lindsey in 1983, she quickly became the center of so much of their life and joy. A true public servant, Jerry felt called to become a paramedic, so he returned to school to pursue that calling. He served as a paramedic for EMSA before joining the Sand Springs Fire Department. Feeling the calling to do more, Jerry went on to become a firefighter for Sand Springs, where he served until his retirement in 1998. He could not simply sit still after retirement from the Fire Department, so Jerry went to work as a Communications Specialist at Williams Communications. He retired for the second time in 2018, which gave him even more time to do what came naturally to him, be of service to others. Jerry began volunteering with the Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief team. His heart for helping others took him to disaster sites throughout Oklahoma and many other states, where he served those in need.

Jerry will be remembered by many for his love of the University of Oklahoma, his passion for golf, and his love of the outdoors. His love of golf gave him the opportunity to serve as a marshal at The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge. He also enjoyed an annual guys’ golf outing to Northwest Arkansas with several friends from church. Jerry loved camping, especially in the mountains of Colorado, and treasured spending time outdoors. He will also be remembered for his love of singing gospel music. He sang with the Heirborn Quartet, the New Tulsans, and a trio of fellow church members. Through music, faith, service, and friendship, Jerry touched countless lives.

16 months ago, Jerry was diagnosed with cancer. He fought his battle with perseverance, faith, and a commitment to “ring the bell.” Although he did not get the opportunity to ring the bell at the hospital, he received something far greater he rang the Heavenly Bell when he was ushered into Heaven on Saturday evening.

Left to cherish the many memories of Jerry’s life are his wife of 44 years, Ellen; his daughter, Lindsey Sparks, and her husband, Jeremy, of Tuttle; sister-in-law Ann Johnson and her husband, Daniel, of Glenpool; brother-in-law John Gray of Eufaula; sister-in-law Susan Gray of Maryland; nieces and nephews Kelli Quinn and her husband, Rodney; Julie Johnson and her husband, Brad; Roger Gray; Megan Marquiess and her husband, Dustin; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Rowena and J.B. Ward; sister, Lorrie May; mother-in-law, Gladys Gray; and brother-in-law, Roger Gray.

Viewing & Visitation will be held at Olivet Baptist Church, 155 N. 65th West Avenue, Tulsa, OK on Tuesday evening from 6- 8 PM. Please join the family in celebrating Jerry’s life at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at the church. Graveside services will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the Highland Cemetery in Okemah, Oklahoma.

In honor of Jerry’s life, the family asks that memorial donations be made to:

Herman Hospice House

7590 N. Harvard

Sperry, OK 74073

Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief

300 Johnny Bench Dr., Suite 300

Oklahoma City, OK 73104