Joseph Albert Ward Jr.

In Loving Memory of Joseph Albert (Joe A.) Ward, Jr. August 8, 1921 ~ January 6, 2017 Joe A. Ward, Jr., 95, of Angleton, Texas passed away on January 6, 2017. Joe was born on to the union of Joseph Albert Ward, Sr. and Vida Hay Ward. He was born on his Grandmother's farm in Robertson County, Texas, on August 8, 1921. He was attended by the Doctor who came out from Hearne, Texas by horse and buggy, ate supper with the family, went to bed, rising about four AM to deliver Joe, cleaned up, ate breakfast with the family, hitched up his buggy and returned to town. Joe grew up in the Houston Heights, graduated from John H. Reagan High school. He attended Rice University, dropped out and went to work for the Texas Highway Department in 1941. He worked for Dow Chemical Company in the Construction Department and Engineering Department during World War II, and then worked for TxDot, Brazoria County Engineering Department, and the County Surveyor of Brazoria County. Joe continued his education at the University of Houston, graduating with honors in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. In 1970 he joined the engineering firm of Baker & Lawson, where he worked until 2005, at which time he became a part time Consultant. He performed surveying and engineering projects for clients in Brazoria and surrounding counties. Joe was a life member of Tau Beta Pi, a national honorary engineering fraternity, and the American Society of Civil Engineers. In November 1944, Joe married Ruby Kirkland Stratton. They had two sons, Bill and Kirk. Joe was active in the Boy Scouts, organized two troops, and was Scoutmaster and or Cubmaster for many years. He worked in the Angleton Little League organization for some years. In 1993 Joe was named Citizen of the Year by the Angleton Chamber of Commerce. Joe joined the First United Methodist Church of Angleton in 1947, he took very seriously his vow to serve the Lord, and to support the Church with his presence, his gifts, his prayers, and his service. He often quoted St. Paul in that he did things that he should not do and he didn't do things that he should do, but he worked at it. Joe was active in the life of the Church, serving on most of the Committees. On one Building Committee, he was called the "Devil's Advocate" because of his concern for some items that he thought very necessary for the project. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his only brother, Lt. William C. Ward, who lost his life I the service of his country in World War II, and Ruby, his wife of sixty six years. He is survived by his children; Bill & Pat Ward, and Kirk & Lissa Ward. He is also survived by he grandchildren; Amy & Trent Oglesby, Robyn & Adam Jungeblut, Blake & Erin Ward, and Linde & Randy Landrum as well as, his ten great grandchildren. Services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at First United Methodist Church located at 219 North Arcola Angleton, Texas with Pastor John Black and Bonnie Cowing officiating. Joe will be laid to rest next to his beloved Ruby in the Angleton Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, Joe request that donations be made to the Memorial Fund at the First United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice. Services lovingly fulfilled by the dedicated staff at Palms Funeral Home located at 2300 East Mulberry Angleton, Texas 77515 (979) 849-4343. Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Joseph Albert Ward Jr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store. Service Information Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 1:00pm