Edman Eugene "Gene" Ward

Edman Eugene "Gene" Ward, age 85, of Farmington, went to be with his Savior on February 21, 2019. Gene was a skilled finish and trim carpenter for over 55 years, and he built beautiful cabinets and spiral staircases in many Northwest Arkansas homes. He was a Freewill Baptist, and was a member of First Freewill Baptist Church in Fayetteville for most of his life. In his latter years, he attended the Farmington Baptist Church on Main Street as health permitted. Gene enjoyed eating a good meal, telling the tales of his youth, and singing bass in a local gospel quartet. His greatest loves were the Lord and his family, and he was fiercely devoted to both. He was preceded in death by his parents, Zellous Ward and Flossie Fern Ward (née Wood), and sisters Bethel Myers, Melba Lou Ward, and Nadine Ward. He was also predeceased by his brother-in-law, Bob Myers, and his sweet daughter-in-law, Pauline Ward. Gene is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Betty Lou Ward (née Brink) of the home; daughter Jeannie Watts and husband Greg of Odessa, Texas; daughter Susan Dake and husband Roger of Springfield, Missouri; son Dan Ward and wife Margie of Fayetteville, Arkansas; son Ed Ward of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and daughter Linda Ward of Fort Smith, Arkansas. He is also survived by his siblings Don Ward and wife Marilyn of Fayetteville, Richard Ward of Springdale, Gerald Ward and wife Donna of Fayetteville, Christine Rogers and husband Woody of Lincoln, and Judy Ward of Springdale. He is further survived by 11 grandchildren (Mica Cook, Mark Watts, Robert Dake, Kristi Dake, Rachel Dake, Aaron Ward, Jennifer McKinney, Bobbi Beckett, Isaac Ward, Kendall Ward, and Ammie Cochran), and by numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Visitation will be 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Monday, February 25, 2019 at Moore's Chapel followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. A brief graveside service will be held at McCord Cemetery following the funeral. To place an online tribute visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.