Marvin Earl Ward

Marvin Earl Ward, age 80, of Tyler, passed away in the late evening hours of Thursday, November 29, 2012 at East Texas Medical Center in Tyler. Marvin was born in Grayson County, Texas on September 3, 1932 to Marvin Earl, Sr. and Ella Corinth Ward; they preceded him in death. After high school, Marvin joined the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country for 8 years. He met the love of his life and best friend Dorothy Elaine Duschak and they married in Tacoma, Washington in 1955. Together they spent the next 57 years raising a family and living a lifetime of memories. Marvin owned and operated Marvin Ward Trucking and it remains in business after 40 years of dedicated service. Those who knew Marvin often heard him say “all I can do it work” but they knew that his true love and joy in life came from his loving family. Marvin’s jokes and love will be missed by all who knew him.

Marvin is survived by his wife, Dorothy Ward; children, Colleen Bensen of Lake Havasu, Arizona; Penny Gilley of Nolensville, Tennessee; Steve Ward of Temple, TX; and Tamie Richey, and husband Mike, of Rockwall, TX; sister, Marella Schmit of Scottsdale, AZ; Mavernee Winchester of Austin, TX; and Velma Henkhaus of Longview, TX; and by 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Dwight Ward and Dennis Ward, and by two sisters, Thelma Elliot and Penny Trost.

Graveside services for Mr. Ward will be held at 3:00 P.M., Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at the Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery with Richard Hefley, Dwayne Johnson, Johnny Brown, Edwin Torris, Joe Upton, and Jerry Atchinson serving as honorary pallbearers.

Services are under the direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association. 3800 Paluxy Drive. Tyler, TX 75703 903-561-6668.