Joe Dale Ward Sr., 84, of Marshall, Ark., passed from this earthly life on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Highland Court in Marshall. He was born in Imo, Ark., on August 16, 1940, to Jesse Carroll Ward Sr. and Essie Ann Treat Ward. Joe Dale married Melba Jean Crockett on July 1, 1960, in a Baptist church in Cahokia, Ill., by Dr. Prince. To this union two children were born, Jacqueline Yvonne Ward and Joe Dale Ward Jr. Joe accepted the Lord when he was a child and was baptized at Little Red River. After graduation he moved to Alerton, Ill., to live with his sister and brother-in-law, Gerry and Tut Latinette. Gerry had him a job at Duro Chrome in St. Louis, Mo., which was the same place where Melba’s family worked. He worked there until the factory closed down. Joe went to work for a packing house in East St. Louis for a couple of years and also worked as a night watchman. When Joe moved to Arkansas he worked at the flooring mill, with Ray Ward as a carpenter and at Flintrock Shirt Factory as a maintenance supervisor. While working at Flintrock he got his boiler’s license and when the factory closed he became an independent contractor. Joe had his construction, electrical and plumbing license. He worked with Larry Campbell, Dale Ward and Larry Tumbleson. Joe retired in May of 2009. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Melba Jean Crockett Ward of the home; children, Joe Dale Ward Jr. of Marshall and Jacqueline Tumbleson and husband Scott of Marshall; two grandsons, Joe Dale Crockett Ward and Devin Elliott. Crockett was born on Joe and Melba’s anniversary, July 1, 1998, that was their best present ever; sister, Bonnie Drewry; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who will also mourn his passing. Joe Dale is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Essie Ward; siblings, Jesse Carroll Ward Jr., Ross Ward, Duell Mainord, Geraldine Latinette and Maudie England; and one nephew, Richie Drewry. Funeral services for Joe Dale were 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall with Bro. Paul Rucker and Bro. Shirl Williams officiating. Visitation was 1 till 2 p.m. preceding the service. Burial was in Canaan Cemetery. Bearers were Donnie Mainord, Adam Henry, Davy Mainord, Ethan Ragland, Richard (Ricky) Drewry and James Tilley. Honorary bearers were Craig Loggins, Devin Elliott, Don Nickel, Clint Beavers, Clifford DePriest, Dewayne Mainord, JC Beavers, James Ragland, Norbet Novak, Steve Ward, Mike Ward, Chuck Raby, Frank Ward, Mark Tilley, J.O. Drewry, Ty Henry and