Donald Gene Ward

Donald Gene Ward, 83, of Salem, Arkansas, passed from this life on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Salem, Arkansas. Donald was born January 12, 1942, in Wiseman, Arkansas to T.C. and Vera Lorea (Caruthers) Ward.

Donald was united in marriage to Joyce Faye Henry on October 4,1963 in Viola, Arkansas and to this union two sons were born. Donald worked several years as a mechanic for Century Tel. One of Donalds favorite activities was watching his grandchildren at their ballgames. Donald enjoyed hunting, riding mules, and going to Colorado to hunt. He was a member of the Salem First Baptist Church, Salem Masonic Lodge #418, and Gee and Haw Wagon Club. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend.

Donald leaves to mourn his passing wife, Joyce Ward of Salem, Arkansas; two sons, Lanny Ward and wife Janet of Salem, Arkansas and Kyle Ward and wife Michelle of Salem, Arkansas; seven grandchildren, Andrew Ward (Brittany), Kayla Overman (Blaine), Haley Skaggs (Dylan), Brooke Robbins (Austin), Bailey Reed (Blake), Whitney Roberson (Ryan), and Hanna Ward (T.W. Langevin); six great grandchildren, Olivia, Tinlee, Karsyn, Rylee Jo, Addison, and Nash; three sisters, Barbara Jennings of Ash Flat, Arkansas, Judy Oliver of Salem, Arkansas, and Lenisa Branscum of Salem, Arkansas; many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents (T.C. and Vera Ward) and three brothers-in-law (David Jennings, Mickey Oliver, and Gary Branscum).

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Friday, April 4, 2025, at Barker Funeral Home with Bro. John Hodges officiating. Visitation will be 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas. Interment will be in the Salem Cemetery in Salem, Arkansas. Pallbearers will be Andrew Ward, Ryan Roberson, Blake Reed, Blaine Overman, Austin Robbins, Zach Branscum, Dylan Skaggs, and TW Langevin. Memorials may be made to the Salem Cemetery in Salem, Arkansas. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.