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Raymond "Curly" Ward © Locust Grove Funeral Home Submitted by: Sharon
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Raymond "Curly" Ward
March 2, 1942 - May 18, 2026
Raymond Eugene "Curly" Ward, age 84, of Rose, Oklahoma, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was born on March 2, 1942, at the family home in Edingburg, Texas, to Prince Albert Ward and Stella Florence (Greenwood) Ward. Curly's mother passed away when he was young, and he was lovingly raised by his paternal grandparents, Thomas Hughey Ward and Margaret Melinda (Bone) Ward. At the age of one, he moved with his family to the Rose area where he spent his childhood years. He attended Smith Chapel School near Rose until he was eight years old and later attended Amphi Schools in Arizona.
On June 1, 1963, in Tucson, Arizona, Curly was united in marriage to Gloria Jean Odell. Together they they raised 3 children: Vernon, Skeeter, and Sissy. The couple shared over 51 years of marriage before Gloria's passing on October 15, 2014. Throughout his life, Curly lived in Oklahoma, Oregon, and Arizona. When he was younger, he drove a truck and worked many different jobs to provide for his family, but sheet rock hanging became his lifelong profession. He was known as a hardworking man who never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. His shade-tree mechanic abilities often came in handy for family and friends alike.
Curly was a longtime member of the Little Rock Free Will Baptist Church. His faith was very important to him, and over the years he greatly enjoyed singing and recording gospel music, producing seven gospel albums. Music was one of his greatest passions, and he loved playing and singing with others. He could play numerous instruments including the guitar and dobro. In his spare time, he enjoyed mowing his yard, hunting, fishing, running jug lines, camping, and coaching baseball.
Curly married Glenna Donna Kay (Hampton) on May 5, 2015, at the Little Rock Free Will Baptist Church near Locust Grove, Oklahoma. Curly had a wonderful sense of humor and loved cutting up with family and friends. He was always making up little songs just to bring smiles and laughter to those around him. His kindness, humor, and willingness to help others will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Curly is survived by: Wife: Glenna Ward of the home; his son: Skeeter Ward and Tammy of Kansas, Oklahoma; his daughter: Sissy Hendrickson and husband Danny of Peggs, Oklahoma; 7 grandchildren: Michael Hart, Derek Ward, A.J. Ward, Jarrod Hart, Taylor Ward, Brendan Ward, and Ashley Harper; 26 great grandchildren; 2 brothers: Bobby Ward of Colorado, and Henry Ward of Lost City, Oklahoma; 2 sisters: Geneva Burns of Tucson, Arizona, Loretta Doane and Rob of Locust Grove, Oklahoma; as well as numerous other relatives and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of over 51 years, Gloria Ward; a baby boy who passed at birth; one son, Vernon Ward; his grandparents; one brother, Hoyt Ward; and one sister, Lavita Tanner.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the Little Rock Free Will Baptist Church near Locust Grove, Oklahoma, with Pastor Rick Condit officiating. Interment will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery in Rose, Oklahoma. Services have been entrusted to Locust Grove Funeral Home. Memories, condolences, and tributes may be shared at Locust Grove Funeral Home.
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