Harold Gene (H.G., Button) Ward passed away on the last day of June in 2024. He was born in the small town of Fayetteville, Arkansas, in 1936. He grew up, had many adventures in that town and met the woman who would be his wife and with whom he would have five children. During those years, he also spent time in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Lexington. After his service, he returned to his wife and together they finished creating their family.

H.G. loved to create things. He worked for Arkhola Sand and Gravel until he retired, and for himself doing decorative rock work, jobs that allowed him to help Northwest Arkansas to grow to the area it is today. He spent his personal time building and fixing things where he lived. His true passion was his garden. He planned, and planted, and cared for, and worried over his yearly garden. When his plants started producing their bounty, he loved showing off the results of his efforts. And those results were invariably impressive. He kept family and friends well stocked with vegetables during the growing season. The time between those seasons was filled with planning the next year’s garden.

With five children, and eventually a passel of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, H.G. loved his family and was loved by them all. He cared for everyone and would never hesitate to help any member of his family. The years had many get togethers filled with food, fun and his endless storytelling. He was a man who had seen a lot in his life and loved to pass on the things he had seen and experienced. No one could ever end a day with him without being worn out from laughing at his tales. He was the best storyteller, a trait he passed on to a couple of his grandchildren. He never started a meal without first honoring the Lord and asking for divine blessings for the people of the world.

H.G. also had another family in his church, the Baldwin New Life Tabernacle. He loved everyone there. He had a strong faith and enjoyed being able to express that faith with the church.

H.G. was preceded in death by his wife and mother of his children, Lois, his oldest daughter Sonja, grandsons Scott and Morgan, sister Novella, and brothers George and A.J. He is survived by four children, Pamela, Rickey, Donna and Teresa, and his wife Carolyn. He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

To honor H.G., make the world and your life better by planting something, preferably and tomato plant, and always remember to pray.