Gerald Richard Ward

Gerald Richard Ward, of Edmond, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, at the age of 80. He was born on June 20, 1946, and lived a life defined by love, generosity, laughter, service, and unwavering devotion to his family.

Gerald proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam era. He was drafted just a few months after marrying the love of his life in 1966, at only 19 years old. His time in service was a defining chapter of his life, and returning home was not easy, as he carried the weight of those experiences with quiet strength.

His military service reflected the same loyalty, resilience, and selflessness that became the foundation of the life he built. After his service, he worked at Cain’s Coffee before enjoying many years of retirement, spending his time doing what he loved most—being with the people he loved.

Above every accomplishment in his life was the love story he shared with his beloved wife, Stella. They met when they were young, and Gerald would walk nearly twenty miles just to spend time with the love of his life. Their love only grew stronger with time, and this December they would have celebrated 61 years of marriage. Together they built a beautiful family and a lifetime of memories that will forever be treasured.

Gerald was a devoted husband, a loving father, and the kind of grandfather every child dreams of having. He is survived by his loving wife, Stella Ward; his children, Jill Ward Thompson and John Ward and his wife, Kristy Ward; his grandchildren, Lakin Best and her husband, Bryce Best, Forrest Ward, and Lauren Ward; his cherished great-grandchildren, Zayden Best and Zerrik Best; and his brother, Donald Ward, and his wife, DeeAnn Ward. He deeply loved his extended family as well and was always thinking of them, often sharing stories that included his aunts, siblings, cousins, and his many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Jason Ward; his parents, Jack and Letha Ward; and his siblings, Jimmy Ward, Lora Hogan, and Ronald Ward.

To know Gerald was to know kindness. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. Although he often described himself as shy, those who knew him would smile at the thought because he had a gift for making people feel welcome wherever he went. He never judged others, was always willing to lend a helping hand, and gave freely of his time, his heart, and whatever he had to offer. His generosity knew no limits, and his loyalty to those he loved never wavered.

Gerald loved life and rarely sat still. He was always on the go, never slowing down. Whether he was running errands, visiting friends and family, eating out, attending church, trying his luck at the casino, or simply finding somewhere to go, he embraced every day with enthusiasm. He especially loved taking others out to eat, and it seemed as though every restaurant he visited knew him by name. He had a way of making friends wherever he went. He was also blessed to celebrate his 80th birthday surrounded by friends and family who traveled from various cities and states to honor him, a testament to the many lives he touched.

His greatest joy, however, was his family. He faithfully attended his grandsons’ sporting events and made it a priority to visit his great-grandsons almost every day. They were among the greatest blessings of his life.

Music was woven into Gerald’s heart. He found happiness behind a drum and especially loved playing the djembe, often drumming on anything he could find—even the dinner table—to the amusement of those around him. He loved attending drum circles, playing drums at church, and sharing his rhythm at the farmers market, bringing smiles wherever he went. His love for drumming began when he was just a young boy. He wore out two of his mother’s tackle boxes by using them as makeshift drums and tree limbs as drumsticks. That passion stayed with him throughout his entire life. He was also an avid Elvis fan and could often be found driving down the road with Elvis playing loud, happily singing along to the songs he loved.

Those who loved Gerald will remember his wonderful sense of humor, his unforgettable war stories, his stubborn streak, his servant’s heart, and the countless ways he showed his love through his actions rather than his words.

He taught his family what it means to be loyal, generous, honest, and fully present. His greatest legacy is not found in the things he owned, but in the lives he touched and the love he poured into everyone fortunate enough to know him.

While our hearts are broken by his passing, we find comfort in knowing that his love, his laughter, and the memories he created will continue to live on in each of us. Above all, we rejoice in knowing that Gerald accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and because of that, we have the hope of seeing him again.

His life was a gift. His love was unconditional. His legacy will never be forgotten.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever missed.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at Matthews Funeral Home. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on July 9, 2026 at Matthews Funeral Home Chapel in Edmond, Oklahoma. Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Stroud Cemetery in Stroud, Oklahoma.