Jack T. Ard

Jack T. Ard of Waco passed away at a nursing facility June 3, 2017. Services will be 1:30 pm Tuesday, June 6 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel with Rev. Ken James officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm prior to the service at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel. Jack was born in Fort Worth, Texas to G.B. and Iva Riffle Ard. He graduated from Paschal High School in May, 1945. He then joined the Navy Reserves. He was on the battleship U.S.S. West Virginia bound for Pearl Harbor when World War II ended in August 1945. After the Navy, he went to TCU in Fort Worth, then the University of Texas in Austin for an Electrical Engineering Degree. He enjoyed his work in power production at the City of Austin Power System, the Manager of power for the city of Greenville, then for the city of Bryan. He retired from Brazos Electric Power Cooperative in Waco in 1995. He was a Registered Professional Engineer, a life member of IEEE and active in YMCA, Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club. Jack married Mary Nell Battershell in Hico, Texas, April 1952 and they had 65 blessed years together. Jack was a Deacon at Columbus Ave. Baptist Church the last 39 years. He became a child of God as a boy. He taught Sunday school, was on committees and served as a greeter. He still found time for family, golf and civic responsibilities. He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Cathy Arnold; brother, Doyle Ard, sisters, Sue Henson and Ann White. He is survived by his wife, Mary Nell; daughter, Elizabeth; son, Robert Jack “Bob” Ard, and wife, Sharon; sister, Martha Ashley and brothers, Jim Ard and Harlan White, plus many wonderful nieces and nephews. Memorials can be made to Columbus Ave. Baptist Church, 1300 Columbus Ave., Waco, Tx 76701, Alzheimer’s Association, 3708 W. Waco Dr., Waco, Tx 76710, or the Charity of your choice. Many thanks and love to the aides, nurses at Wesley Woods Care Center and Providence Hospice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.