Van Alstyne Leader
April 1. 1926
pg 7

Funeral services were conducted at the Methodist church last Monday afternoon for J. I. Ward. Mr. Ward died in Denison at the home of his son, J. I. Ward, Jr., last Saturday morning. He had been in failing health for several years and the last few months of his life had been almost paralyzed. He was born in Marion county, Alabama, November 19, 1861, making him 61 years, four months and one day old at the time of his death. He came to Texas in 1884 and settled in this county near Van Alstyne and had lived here ever since. He was married to Miss Maggie McDonough, a sister of J. M. McDonough, in 1885. To this marriage were born the following children: Mrs. T. H. Whitfield, Howe; Mrs. Lillian Whitfield, Wellington, Texas; Mrs. Ethel Moris, Altus, Ok; Mrs. R. H. Crane, Wellington, Texas; J. I. Ward, Jr., Denison; Paul (deceased); Mrs. W. H. Higginbotham, Denison and Ray Ward, Joplin, Mo.
He united with the methodist church when 15 years of age and remained a faithful member of the same until the time of his death. He has a brother, I. H. Ward, of McKinney and a sister, Mrs. Sarah Murphy of Peach, Texas, Wood County.
Mr. Ward made his home at Howe the most of his life. He was a good friend to all who knew him and every one loved him. He was one of the most highly respected men for his integrity, honesty, neighborliness that has ever lived in this community. The great number of friends and the beautiful floral offering were living tributes to him at his funeral services.
The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Ben Bell, pastor of the Methodist church. His remains were laid to rest by the side of his wife, who preceded him to the great Beyond in 1918. in the Van Alstyne cemetery, Monday afternoon - Howe Messenger.