Richard Harvey Ward

Dick was born in Alexandria, Louisiana on July 13, 1943, to father William Harvey Ward and mother, Sophia Theodora Vranesh Ward. Dick graduated from Texas Tech University and married his sweetheart, Judy Grace Cutter in 1965. He joined the United States Air Force, where he spent time in Okinawa, Thailand, and several US Air Force bases. He retired as a Captain in 1970. He then began his tremendous career as a mechanical engineer where he extensively traveled and spent many years with his family as expats living all over Europe and Thailand. Dick was proud of starting his own company, AIM in 1997 and co-founding CABC that same year. Dick had a history of helping people. Many friends will tell you how he encouraged them to advance their education, or how he gave them a chance to succeed in their careers. He was a much loved boss! Dick retired from the oil and gas industry in 2012, but that didn't stop him from making the world a better place. In 2014 he was voted President of the Willow Fork Drainage District. He then served the community by building Willow Fork Park and Exploration Park in Katy, along with several projects that made the Katy community a nicer place to live. He was so pleased when the Board surprised him by naming the pavilion at Willow Fork Park after him.

Dick was a huge sports fan and could always be found cheering on the Houston Texans and Astros. He was an avid antique collector, teller of bad jokes and was especially proud of his grandchildren.

Dick fought pancreatic cancer for 10 years with the help of M.D. Anderson Caner Center in Houston. He never complained or said he didn't feel well. Dick was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife Judy Ward, children Michael Ward and wife Tanya of Katy, Texas; Sharon Tamplain and husband Blaine of Katy, Texas; grandchildren, Grace Ward, Jack Ward and Emma Tamplain, all of Katy, Texas. He is also survived by his much younger sister, Ginny Turner and husband Jim of Crockett, Texas and several nephews and one niece.

Due to current health restrictions, the family is holding a small ceremony to celebrate his life. Services will be on July 27, 2020 at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX. Visitation at 1:00 pm. Funeral Service at 2:00 pm. Graveside Service at 3:00 pm.

There will also be a Facebook live event for those who would rather view the ceremony virtually. Please go to Facebook and search for "Forest Park Westheimer" at the time of the service to watch online.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.