Garland Dew Ward was born Oct. 20, 1932 in Henryetta the third of three sons to Georgia Elizabeth Dew and William Nicholas (Bill) Ward of Henryetta. He died Nov. 23, 2020 in Henryetta at the age of 88.
Garland graduated from Henryetta High School in 1950, where he excelled in football, basketball and baseball. Following his graduation, he pitched for Coors, a semi-pro baseball team in Rock Springs, Wyoming, prior to entering Central (Okla) State University. His college years were interrupted by the Korean conflict and in 1951 he enlisted in the Navy, spending time with the 7th Fleet in the Far East, as a communications Technician 2ndClass Petty Officer aboard two battleships and two aircraft carriers.
Upon his discharge from the Navy in 1954, he married his high-school sweetheart, Ruby Dee (Manning) Ward and re-entered college.
Garland began his 35 year career with Sandoz/Novartis Pharmaceuticals in 1955 as a detail representative and in 1962 was promoted to Regional Manager in Houston, Texas, where his region enjoyed many "National Sales" and "Salesman of the Year" awards.
In 1980, Garland was made Hospital Manager in California and in 1984, was promoted to Divisional Manager in Atlanta, Georgia. From 1986-1990, he served as assistant to the National Sales Manager in a consulting position.
Garland was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Bill.
He is survived by his wife Ruby of 66 years and his children and their spouses: Curtis Allan Ward and wife Doris of Little Elm, Texas and Jeanne Anne Charpentier and husband Chad of Charenton, Louisiana, six grandchildren, Jodie Walsh, Alan Johnson, Jamie Johnson, Neil Ward, Nick Ward, and Nathan Ward, 12 great-grandchildren, whom he was so incredibly proud of, as well as a special nephew, Marcus Ward of Buena Vista, Colorado.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, 2020 at Integrity Funeral Service.
Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020 at St. Michael Catholic Church with Father Peter Phung, officiating. Interment will follow at Westlawn Cemetery in Henryetta. Services are under the direction of Integrity Funeral Service.
The family has requested in lieu of flowers to please consider a contribution in memory of Garland to the Heart or Cancer foundation or St. Michael Catholic Church, PO Box 148, Henryetta, Oklahoma 74437