Thomas Joseph Ward, age 69, passed away March 20, 2008, in Plano, Texas. Tom was born July 2, 1938 to Clarence “Cooie” and Mae (Spain) Ward in Minot, North Dakota. He attended St. Leo’s grade school and high school, where he graduated in 1956. Upon graduation, Tom attended St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minnesota and then returned home to attend Minot State University. As a young adult, Tom was employed by the City of Minot as Assistant City Assessor. Tom married Donna Zietlow in August of 1960, and moved his family to Mott, North Dakota in 1965. At that time, he purchased Hettinger County Abstract Company. Tom later purchased Sioux County Abstract Company and combined the companies as Hettinger-Sioux County Abstract, Inc., which he owned and operated until his retirement. Tom was a member of St. Vincent’s Catholic Church, the Elks Lodge, Knights of Columbus and the North Dakota Land and Title Association where he served as President in 1978 and 1988. One of his greatest treasures was his lake house on Lake Tschida. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed water sports, and hunting with his family and friends. In addition, he enjoyed seeing the world and traveled extensively in Mexico. He is survived by his three daughters, Mary Decker of Lubbock, Texas, Lisa Millsaps of Mesquite, Texas, and Nancy Kramer and husband, John of Allen, Texas; son, Robert Ward and wife, Janine of Aberdeen, South Dakota; grandchildren Katie, Kendra, and Marissa Decker, Casey and Brett Millsaps, Kristofer Debenedictis, Jordan and Jamie Ward, and Alexander Kramer; sisters, Judy Carlson of Minot, North Dakota and Kathy Peterson and husband, Arlin of Lubbock, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Joe Carlson. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon, Saturday, March 22, 2008, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Chapel in Allen, Texas with Father Tuan Le officiating. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Saturday two hours prior to the service.