Obituaries: Ward, Chism

Deaths: John Ward Jr. and Thomas Chism.

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John Ward Jr., 92, Feb. 4 in Oklahoma City. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945 in the Pacific Theater. A 1949 graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, he was a minister of music for churches in Texas, Oklahoma, North Carolina and Florida. He also worked at the Baptist Annuity Board 10 years. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lilah; son, Monty; daughter, Harmony Ward; sisters, Monnie Wheelus and Nancy Ward; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

 

Thomas Chism, 84, Feb. 9 in Fort Worth. He was a Baptist Student Union director at the University of Texas at El Paso and also served as a teacher and administrator there. During the 35 years he lived there, he and his family were members of First Baptist Church in El Paso. After retirement, he worked in the development offices of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Baylor University, Truett Seminary and the B.H. Carroll Institute. He was a member of Agape Baptist Church in Fort Worth at the time of his death. He worked tirelessly to improve tolerance, acceptance and social justice. A furniture refinisher and picture framer, he loved western novels, bluegrass music and bargains. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Frances; son, Steve; daughter, Judy Malazzo; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

 


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