Thomas Alan Ward

On August 30, 1940 at St. John's Hospital, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Thomas Alan Ward was born. He was to live there at different seasons of his life, passing away at St. Francis Hospital, Tulsa, Oklahoma on August 31, 2023. A man of many interests, sports were an important part of his life, whether playing them as he grew up or watching them on television in his 70's and 80's. Tom had a lifelong love of riding and owning horses (sometimes hunting pheasants in Kansas from horseback). Tennis became a sport he enjoyed and an avenue for developing friendships in various cities where he lived, learning fundamentals from his brother Frank before moving to Houston. Tom attended Lee Elementary, Horace Mann Middle School, and Central High School. He graduated from Tulsa University with a BA degree in Journalism. During his senior year at TU he met Jane Collier, his future wife, and they were married April 19, 1964. Upon graduation Tom joined the U.S. Navy where he served his country for 2 years as a journalist on Admirals staff at NATO Headquarters SACLANT in Norfolk, Virginia. Tom's strong faith in Jesus Christ began at Boston Avenue Methodist Church, where singing in the choir developed a life-long love of music of all kinds. From a house church in Houston to creating a men's Bible Study in Wichita, Kansas, his trust in the Lord was integral to his life. Proverbs 3:5-6. Returning to Tulsa, Tom worked for Texaco in the Human Resources Department. This area became his focus in Houston for Texaco, in Wichita for Energy Reserve Group, and back in Tulsa, recruiting in the oil industry and other fields from 1981 until retirement. Joys of being back in Tulsa were many. Back with family, close to Jane's family in Fayetteville, Arkansas, new bonds were formed. it was with great pride that he became the Charter President for Sunrise Rotary, leading them in local and international projects. He continued his sports interest by coaching baseball and softball teams for John and Julie at Metro Christian Academy where Jane was the librarian and they attended. Once again tennis became the sport most enjoyed, playing on a team that went to the National Championships. In quiet times Tom always had a book or two close by as he found great enjoyment in reading biographies or good Western fiction. Tom was preceded in death by his father, Harold B. Ward; his mother, Arline T. Ward; his brother, Harold B. Ward Jr.; his sister-in-law, Betty Ann Ross Ward (Frank). He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Jane Collier Ward; his son, John T. Ward; his daughter, Julie Ward Filak (Darin); brother Frank B Ward (Peggy) ; granddaughter, Sydney Filak ;his grandson, Dylan Filak all of Tulsa, also nephews Curt Ward(Tammy); Gary Ward; Craig Ward (Jennifer); niece Nancy Ward Irwin (Chris); niece, Laura Ward; nephew, Steve Ward(Ana). A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 8, 2023, at Moore's Southlawn Chapel, 9350 E. 51st Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma. The service will be livestreamed on his tribute wall.

Thomas Alan Ward

August 30, 1940 - August 31, 2023