G. Ward Paxton, Jr. of Allen, Texas passed away on October 24, 2019 at the age of 83. He was born on December 21, 1935 to Grady Ward Paxton Sr. and Mae Belle (Renegar) Paxton in Chickasha, Oklahoma. Ward married Patsy Ann (Plumlee) Paxton on June 5, 1955 in Tuttle, Oklahoma. He was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church of Allen.
Ward is survived by his wife, Pat Paxton of Allen, Texas; sons, Mark Paxton and his wife, Sonja of Allen; Mike Paxton and his wife, Kathy of Plano; daughter, Julie Puckett and her husband, Mark of Lucas; grandchildren, Kyle Paxton (Rebecca Reno), Jennifer Still (Andrew), Daniel Paxton (Kristin), Kristin Lentz (Austin), Stephanie Rowlan (Stuart), Zachary Paxton (Christina), Conner Crisp, Ellen Phillips (Zane), Natalie Puckett, Kendall Crisp, and Mallorie Puckett; 7 great-grandchildren; brother, John Paxton (Cherryl); his sisters in law, Jeanie Bledsoe (Dr. Joe Bledsoe) and Mary Lou Fry (Dr. Stacy Fry); and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Ward grew up in the small town of Tuttle, Oklahoma where he graduated from high school in 1954. He attended the University of Oklahoma and received a BS and MS in Physics in 1958 and 1959 respectively. In 1964, he earned a PhD in Physics at OU through a fellowship with Texas Instruments. During his years at OU, Ward became a member of Phi Eta Sigma and Phi Beta Kappa. He continued to serve on other boards and committees including the Physics Board of Visitors at OU and was recognized as Outstanding Distinguished Alumnus in the College of Arts and Sciences in 1997.
Ward and Pat moved to Allen in 1965. Soon after, in 1967 Ward was appointed to the Allen Independent School District Board of Trustees through a vacated seat. He served on the A.I.S.D Board from 1967 to 1981 and as President from 1973 to 1981. In 1981 Ward sought a seat on the Allen City Council where he served two terms, from 1981 to 1985.
Ward was co-founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Intrusion Inc. (Optical Data Systems Inc. and ODS Networks Inc.) from 1983 to 2019. Prior to Intrusion, Ward served as Vice President of Honeywell Optoelectronics from 1978 to 1983. From 1969 to 1978, Ward was founder, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Spectronics, Inc. Prior to Spectronics, Inc., Ward held numerous managerial and technical positions at Texas Instruments from 1959 to 1969.
Ward’s dearest treasure was his family. On any given weekend he could be found with Pat supporting his grandchildren’s many activities, spending time at the Texoma lake house, and of course cheering on his beloved Sooners. He enjoyed treating his family to annual trips to the beach and mountains. One of Ward’s greatest passions was flying his plane and he was proud to be able to share that passion with many.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at First United Methodist Church of Allen, 601 South Greenville Avenue, Allen, Texas 75002. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Brother’s Keeper, C/O FUMC Allen.