Franklin Delaney Ward, Jr., 89, of Lake Brownwood, passed away at his home, Tuesday July 4, 2017. A funeral service, under the directions of Heartland Funeral & Cremations Services, was held 10:00 a.m. at the Bangs Church of Christ Saturday July 8, 2017. Interment followed at Eastlawn Memorial Park. The family greeted friends 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., at the funeral home, Friday July 7, 2017. Condolences to the family can be left at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net.

Frank was born August 21, 1927, in Midland, Texas, to Franklin Dulaney Ward, Sr. and Johnnie Lucile (Malone) Ward. He attended and graduated from Midland High School. Frank enlisted in the United States Navy at the end of World War II and patrolled the Asian Pacific for half a year before returning home. He was honorably discharged in 1946. Frank never boasted of or spoke much about his time serving his country, he saw it as his duty and he did it well. Frank knew Mary Ruth Bizzell since school and they were married March 21, 1950 in Fort Worth, Texas. He was a senior draftsman for Gulf Oil from July of 1948 until his retirement in January 1983. During his time in the Navy, Frank was a cook and he continued this art throughout his life. When holiday meals were being prepared Frank would be the first in the kitchen to make sure they were made right. Frank diligently worked for McCoy’s Lumber, February 1993 – February 2011. His passion though, was as an artist. He painted both oils and water colors but excelled in water colors. He was self-taught and traveled throughout the country for art shows. Frank thrived in the outdoors, enjoying fishing and golfing with his family.

Frank is survived by two brothers Pearl Albert Ward and John Garner Ward; son, Dusty Ward and wife Jerrie Ann; daughters, Debbie Testa and husband Joe, Diann Tucker and husband Tommy, and Dayna Dugger and husband Scott; grandchildren, Devin Ward, Kinsie Ward, Misty Hooker, Tracy Newton, Paul Logan, David Logan, Tyler Fleetwood, Kasey Backlund, Kirstie Carroll, and Kerry Dugger; great-grandchildren, Deborah, Cody, Kili, Aren, Granger, and Falon; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Mary Ruth Ward; his parents; and sister, Gwen Dodson.