Obituaries

A Celebration of Life will be held for Sidney “Joe” Ward on Monday, May 21, 2018 at 10:00 AM at Dannel Funeral Home. Pastor Rob Sheppard of East Sherman Baptist Church will officiate. Joe passed at his home surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 17, 2018, from complications due to Alzheimer's. The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 20 from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM. Joe was born in Gober, Texas on April 8, 1934 to P.C. and Callie Hulsey Ward. He was raised in Ladonia and spent the first part of his life there. He enlisted in the United States Army. During the highlight of his military athletic career he was awarded the Sportsman's Trophy for his outstanding play. On one occasion he pitched a total of 22 innings in 25 hours and led his team to 5-4 victory. After his honorable discharge, he continued to be active athletically and was known as “Smoking Joe” for his fast pitch softball abilities. Joe moved to Sherman and worked for Foremost Dairies where he retired after 36 years. He met the love of his life, Joy Dial, on a blind date and they married December 15, 1961, for a total of 56 years, only separated by death. He was a very devout Christian who, along with his wife, accepted Jesus Christ in 1973 and spent the rest of his life serving the Lord. He and Joy were members of East Sherman Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and many other capacities enthusiastically. He never knew a stranger and he loved people. He was just a good man. He was exceptional. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Charles and Glen Ward, and sister Estelle Cunningham. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Joy; daughter Carolyn Lorenz and husband Richard of California; son Phillip Dial of Sherman; 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, cousin Tom Hulsey, and his entire church family. In addition to flowers, memorials may be made to Owanna Dement Mission Fund through East Sherman Baptist Church. The family would like to extend their deep appreciation for the compassion and care shown to them by Heart to Heart Hospice. You may sign the online guestbook at www.Dannelfuneralhome.com.