Leon Ward

Leon Ward was born April 7, 1939 in Sacul, Texas to Leon and Nettie Mae Ward. affectionately know to his childhood acquaintances as "LW".  He received his wings on January 8, 2023, at the age of 83.

He graduated from a segregated, one room school, named Dunbar High School, Knox City, Texas.  He attended college at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas in 1957 where he had to redo his high school years because Dunbar wasn't an accredited school.

He met his wife Hilda Mae Lee in 1959, while playing piano for the gospel group she was a member of.  He dropped out of college and joined the Air Force in April 1961 so that he could support Hilda once they were married.  He married Hilda September 10, 1961 in Houston, Texas. 

Leon had many accomplishments, during his lifetime.  He returned to college, while serving in the military and received his Bachelor of Arts in 1981.  He was awarded a plethora of awards and medals during his 30 year tenure in the United States Air Force, but none more prestigious than the appointment to Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force.  This position is the highest ranking Non-Commissioned Officer position in the Air Force.

He served as the Laity President for the New Mexico Jurisdiction of the Churches of God in Christ.  In the Western District, under Superintendent Samuel L. Gilmore he also served as Finance Officer.  As a 35 year member of Faith Temple Church of God in Christ, he held such offices as Trustee Board President, Finance Committee President, Chairman of the Deacon Board, New Member’s Class Teacher and Adult Class Sunday School Teacher.

To his family he is husband, Daddy, granddaddy, uncle, mentor, confidant and example. 

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Leon Ward and Nettie Mae Ward, his brothers Lee Earl Ward and Gene Leartis Ward, son Ronald Derrick Ward.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years Hilda Ward, two daughters Debbie Douglas(Kirk) and Liniese Ward, sister Florence Ward, brother Gerald Ward, grand children Carlette Young(Jeff), Kirk Douglas Jr., Lacretia Stevenson(John), Iesha Odom(Terrence), Dion Douglas and countless grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

He is absent from this present world, but will never be forgotten.

A visitation will be held Saturday January 21, 2023 12:00 pm at Faith Temple Church of God 1000 Broadway Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102

A service to follow 1:00 pm  at Faith Temple Church of God 1000 Broadway Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Interment pending date and time...