Joseph Archer Ward's Obituary
Joseph Archer Ward, aged 84, passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025, at Baylor Scott and White Hospital in Sunnyvale, Texas. Joe, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to many was surrounded by his family at his bedside at the time of his death.
Joe was born on April 15, 1940, in Oak Cliff, Texas to Joseph Ardell Ward and Ruby Delilah Adams Ward.
He graduated from Adamson High School in 1957. After graduation, he and a group of friends formed a
band, The Bonairs, and went to California to pursue a music career. Upon his return to Texas, he joined the
U. S. Army and served as a medic for four years.
After his service in the Army, he returned to Dallas and was employed at the Federal Reserve Bank. He also attended college in the evening at North Texas State College and Arlington State College.
On March 1, 1967, Joe started working for the new Dallas County Junior College as a systems programmer
in the Data Processing Center. At that time the Center was physically located on the seventh floor of El
Centro College. Over the next 13 years, the remaining 6 campus locations were built throughout Dallas
County, enrollment increased, and computer technology changed rapidly.
By 1980, the computer service center was moved from downtown Dallas to its own facility in Mesquite,
Texas. Dallas County Junior College was now known as Dallas County Community College (DCCCD). The
new location in Mesquite was known as the DSC, the District Service Center, and Joe had advanced to the
Assistant Director of Computer Services in the organization. In 1987, Joe was advanced to the Director of
Information Technology and served in that capacity until his retirement in January 2020.
As the Director of Information Technology he was committed to the mission of providing quality services and support to the campus locations and the students. He was truly a dedicated servant leader.
Joe married Carolyn Boswell Ward on April 20, 1985, and they were looking forward to the celebration of their 40 year wedding anniversary this year. Carolyn also began her career with the college district back in 1967 at EI Centro College.
Carolyn transferred to the Cedar Valley College location in 1977 and after 44 years of service she retired in
August 2011. She was the Director of Admissions and Registrar and heavily depended on the support of
information Technology.
Joe loved his family, his music, the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers, the Dallas Mavericks and watching the Golf Channel. As he grew older and his health declined, he watched a lot of television, enjoyed his well-deserved rest and was cared for by his wife Carolyn.
Joe was predeceased by his parents Joseph Ardell Ward and Ruby Delilah Adams Ward, his brother Morris
Ardell Ward Sr and his sister Jean Ward Rephan.
He is survived by his wife Carolyn Boswell Ward, his son Joseph Todd Ward, daughter-in-law Lori, and his son Jon Bennette Ward. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Maggie Ward Carrington and her husband Cornellius, Ashley Ward Wall and Eric Saldivar, and his grandson Joseph Samuel Ward. Joe is also survived by two great grandchildren Jackson Wall and Ezra Saldivar.
The family of Joe Ward deeply and sincerely appreciates the amazing care provided by the Intensive Care
Unit at Baylor Scott and White Hospital in Sunnyvale, Texas. Joe was a patient in the unit for two weeks and each of his nurses treated him as if he was a member of their own family. The level of care, the watchful eyes, the respect and dignity given to Joe will forever be remembered by his family.
As his life slowly slipped away and each breath grew shorter, I held my husband's hand next to my heart. As he took his final breath, I thought of one of his favorite songs. A song that touched a sentimental heart and brought tears to the eyes of a very special man, Joe Ward.
You're in the arms of the angels
May you find some comfort here
What’s your fondest memory of Joseph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joseph?
Share a story where Joseph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joseph you’ll never forget.
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