Ted G. Ward, III, a beloved husband, dad, and granddad passed away on December 12, 2023, in McKinney at the age of 80 years old after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
Ted was born October 24, 1943, to Ted G. Ward Jr. and Maxine Harmon Ward in Magnolia, Arkansas. He graduated from Monahans High School in 1962. He loved being a Lobo and loved his friends, coaches, and teachers. Ted earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Texas Tech University in January 1968. Ted served proudly in the US Army where he graduated from Artillery Officers Candidate School in January 1969 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He served in Vietnam in 1969-1970 where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Vietnam Service medal with 3 Bronze services stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with palm. He married his high school sweetheart, the love of his life and best friend, Carolyn Lowe on August 28, 1965, in Monahans, Texas. They built their lives on love, respect, and Christian values. After his time in the army, Ted began his career in mortgage banking in Lubbock, Texas. Over the next fifty years, Ted continued his career in banking and mortgage insurance while residing in Plano and McKinney, Texas.
Ted is survived by his loving wife of over 58 years, Carolyn Ward of McKinney, Texas, son, Joel Ward and his wife, Jessica of Manitou Springs, Colorado, and son, Tim Ward of Van Alstyne, Texas. He is survived by five grandchildren, Brenden Ward of McKinney, Texas, Allison Ward of Manitou Springs, Colorado, Jayda and Danny Ward, both of Van Alstyne, Texas, and Jaxon Nantz of Caddo Mills, Texas and one great-grandchild, Nova Ward. Ted is also survived by his brother-in-law, Larry Lowe of Fort Worth; niece, Laurie Lowe of Arlington, Virginia; nephew, Sam Lowe and his wife, Penny of Fort Worth, Texas, and their children, Cameron Lowe of Waterloo, Iowa and Molly Lowe of Austin, Texas. He is survived by his aunt and uncle, Don and Shirley Forrest of Odessa and host of loving family members and cherished friends. Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Maxine Ward; brother, Michael; father and mother-in-law, Sam and Gertrude Lowe; and sister-in-law, Mary Cooper Lowe.
His last year was spent in Teresa’s House in McKinney, Texas, where Carolyn came every day to spend time with him and feed him lunch and dinner. He thought he was home at Teresa’s House. The loving staff was an important part of his last year. Thank you to the wonderful staff for all the loving care. Ted loved listening to music, especially Elvis, Neil Diamond, and the Beatles. He would tap his foot to the songs he really liked. We all miss Ted already, but glad he is with our Lord, loved ones who passed before him, and that he has his mind restored.
Services to celebrate his life will be at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 18, 2023, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen Texas 75013. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Ted’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/ted-g-ward-iii. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location. Following the service, a procession will make its way to Ridgeview Memorial Park for a burial service with military honors.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Sunday from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.