Thomas Rubin Ward

Memorial service for Tom Ward will be 11:30 a.m., Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Sageeyah Baptist Church.

Thomas "Tom" Rubin Ward was born on October 25, 1946 to Cletis Ray Ward and Edith Gertrude Knight in Claremore, OK He attended Bushyhead and Foyil Schools, graduating from Foyil High School in 1964. Tom joined the Army in December of 1964. While training at Fort Polk, LA he was recognized as being most fit man in his battalion. He served in the Vietnam War until December of 1967.  He then returned to home to marry Claudia "Dianne" Phillips on May 4, 1968, whom he promised to marry when he was in seventh grade, even if she didn't believe him then! Tom then worked in concrete until he was left paralyzed by a train/truck accident in January, 1984.  With the help of his wife, four children, family and friends he rehabilitated and began a second career in farming and ranching in Nowata, OK. In 1996 Tom and Dianne moved back to Claremore to be near their aging parents.  He enjoyed fishing and coon hunting in his younger days and making family slide shows as he got older. He continued to care for all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Teaching them to Love God and everybody, mind their manners and never give up!

Tom is survived by his Wife, Dianne Ward, of the home. His Children: Thomas Ward and Dee Kerns of Nowata, Sheila and Dale Parker of Tulsa, Timmy Ward of Nowata, Terry and Courtney Ward, of Claremore, and Carl Martin, honorary son, of Claremore. Grandchildren:  Amanda, Andrea, Timothy, Elizabeth, Kelsey, Ethan, Nicole, Zach, Dalton, Parker, Kevin, Katelyn, Karliegh and Jacob. Great-Grandchildren Addison, Ray and Shae.