Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

Marlin G. Ward, age 66

Marlin Gammie Ward, age 66, of El Dorado, Arkansas let this earth and joined the Lord and his loving wife in Heaven on Tuesday, June 1, 2021.  He was born in El Dorado, Arkansas on May 1, 1955 to the late Elder Lenal “E.L.” Ward and Mattie Moore-Ward.

Marlin was a proud graduate of the class of 1974 at Thornton High School in Thornton, Arkansas and later graduated Ouachita Baptist University in 1978.  After college he became an educator in the Norphlet High School for over 30 years and always enjoyed seeing his past students around town. Marlin was a member at Westside Baptist Church in El Dorado.  He never met a stranger and enjoyed visiting people and having a good meal. He also enjoyed playing the piano and keeping up with his family online and tracing back his family’s history and their genealogies. 

Marlin is survived by his son, Brad Ward and Daughter in-law Wellons Ward of Dothan, Alabama, a granddaughter Zoey Grace Ward, a brother Mark Ward (Theresa), two sisters; Kay Livingston and Shirley Holmes, a nephew Jeremy Ward and host of cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of more than 29 years Rebecca “Becky” Harrison Ward, his parents Elder Lenal “E.L.” Ward and Mattie Moore- Ward, his grandparents, O.G. Moore and Bill and Violet Gray and a sister Faye Henley. 

The family would like to thank Courtyard Rehabilitation and Health in El Dorado for the excellent care of Marlin the past several months.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at 3:00 P.M. at Westside Baptist Church, 2400 West. Hillsboro Street, in El Dorado, AR 71730. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at 2:00 P.M. and all are welcome to attend.  Interment will follow the service at Bethel Methodist Cemetery in El Dorado.

Arrangements are under the trusted direction of A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400. Marlin’s online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com

18 Comments

  • Janet and Travis Grafton Posted June 4, 2021 4:02 PM

    Our thought and prayers go to his son, and all of his family and friends left to cherish Gammye Marlin Ward’s memory. He was a very thoughtful and kind man who loved his family and friends. Till we all meet again, we rejoice in his healing and reuniting with his sweet wife and other family members. RIP.

  • David Voss Posted June 4, 2021 5:56 PM

    So saddened to hear of Marlin’s home going. I’m sure the reunion with his bride was great! Lisa and I send you our love and prayers.

  • Carol Robins Posted June 4, 2021 7:25 PM

    Marlin was so friendly no matter where you saw him. He will be missed by so many. Im praying for his family.

  • Ronny and Louise Bledsoe Posted June 4, 2021 7:26 PM

    Brad I am so sorry for the loss of your dad he was a very special person/cousin!!
    He treated me like he’d always known me when I married into the family!! We love you and will continue praying for your family!

  • Carolyn Beavers Posted June 4, 2021 7:30 PM

    Prayers for all the family, especially Brad & Wellons. He was so proud of Zoey Grace! He will be missed by many in this area as he loved getting to know folks.

  • Tabitha Collins Posted June 4, 2021 8:48 PM

    Sorry for the lost of your wonderful father. Keeping you all in my prayers. God bless y’all!!

  • Anna Hill Posted June 4, 2021 10:37 PM

    Brad: I am so so sorry about Marlin. He was a wonderful person and loved you and your family so much. I’m thankful that he is rejoicing with all his loved ones, but sad he couldn’t get to know Zoey more and spend more time with her. Praying for you all. Love Anna

  • Tina Murphy Kitchens Posted June 5, 2021 4:47 AM

    You will be missed!!!! You always had a smile so I’ll smile for you!!!! Prayers for Brad and family. ❤

  • Jana Terry Posted June 5, 2021 5:54 AM

    Brad, your dad and mom loved you very much! They are watching from Heaven now together. Make them proud of you. I know you will. Prayers for y’all!

  • Michelle and Kenneth Martisek Posted June 5, 2021 9:40 AM

    Brad, we are so very sorry for your loss. Marlin was such a wonderful person and so very proud of you and your family. Prayers be with you all for the comfort and peace needed.

  • Charles & Betty Wilson Posted June 5, 2021 10:44 AM

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. Marlin loved his family and friends and some day we will all be one family together.

  • Cissi Pilgreen Posted June 5, 2021 9:18 PM

    So sorry to hear of Marlins passing! He was a great friend, I know he was so proud of his family especially that granddaughter!! Prayers with you all!

  • Elise Rice Posted June 5, 2021 9:59 PM

    I taught with Marlin at Norphlet and can testify to his love for “his kids”! Brad, I am sorry for your loss. Marlin and Becky are dancing in Heaven and looking down on you and your little family. God Speed and Rest in Peace, Marlin.

  • Elizabeth Pratt Posted June 5, 2021 10:20 PM

    I enjoyed his friendship while living in Oak Manor. We had some very engaging discussions! I am sorry for your loss.

  • Charlene Trefry Posted June 8, 2021 7:35 PM

    Brad ,so sorry to hear of Marlin passing . He was a dear sweet friend to me. since the day we met. He was loved by everyone he new, and will be dearly missed . all the best to your family.

  • Vera Jackson Posted June 9, 2021 5:54 AM

    I enjoyed working with Marlin at Norphlet High School for many years. He was a great teacher who loved his students. He would move the earth to help them. Brad, praying that God’s love & grace will strengthen you and your family.

  • Stan McCoy Posted June 9, 2021 11:04 AM

    So sorry for your loss, Brad. My prayers are with you and your family.

  • Nina Lyons Posted February 2, 2022 9:00 PM

    I will miss you my kind friend

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