Charles Edward Ward

Charles Edward Ward, 88, died on Monday, May 23, 2022.

Charles was born in Carmi, IL on December 18, 1933, the only child of Herman and Alena (Stephens) Ward. He married Johnnie May Taylor on August 1, 1954, in Kentucky Town, Texas. He was a veteran who served in the US Air Force during the Korean War.

Charles loved his family. He and Johnnie were married for almost 66 years. They rarely spend a day apart until she had to go into a nursing home in 2016. Even then, Charles would try to visit her every day. She made a point of telling everyone at the nursing home that he was her “main squeeze”. As bad as her dementia became, she always knew her Main Squeeze!

Charles and Johnnie had 2 children, a daughter, Kathy, and a son, David. Even though he worked long hours, sometimes holding down two jobs, he played a very active role in their lives. He rarely missed a Little League game or piano recital. He enjoyed going outside to play catch or shoot baskets as much as they did. He was a disciplinarian but rarely lost his temper with them.

He was so proud of being a grandfather. He loved spending time with his grandsons. When Hunter and Parker visited there was always fun to be had. One of their special things was to shoot off fireworks at the house in the country. They’d build a fire and roast hotdogs, and marshmallows then shoot off fireworks. It was magical.

Charles worked well into his 70s. He worked in warehouses most of his career and retired from JCPenney. He enjoyed gardening, reading, card games, and, most of all, spending time with Johnnie. He adored her. They spent their retirement years going to yard sales, working outside, going to church, and doing volunteer work.

Charles is survived by daughter, Kathy and George Wooley; son, David and Cindy Ward; two grandsons, Hunter and Destiny Ward and Parker Ward; two step-granddaughters, Julie and John Lowrance and Jennifer Givens; two step-great granddaughters, Grace and Piper Lowrance; brother Robert and Dolores Wheelock.

The family will not have a service at this time. The family has asked that you not send any flowers. Your love and prayers are all they need. However, if you wish to do something, the family asks that you consider taking a gift to the workers at your local nursing home or make a donation to the American Cancer Society.

American Cancer Society 

P.O. Box 22478 

Oklahoma City, OK 73123