Bobby Ray “Bob” Ward, Jr. November 12, 1957 ~ May 25, 2026 (age 68)

Bobby Ray “Bob” Ward Jr. departed this life on May 25, 2026 at home in Portales, New Mexico, surrounded by loved ones.   Upon receiving diagnoses of rectal cancer and Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) two weeks apart, he fought and overcame the cancer, and faced LBD head-on with faith, grace, strength, and humor.  He was a blessing to those around him. Bob was known for his strong work ethic, warm personality, and ability to earn the respect of friends and employers alike.
Bob was born November 12, 1957, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Bobby Ray Ward Sr. of Texas County, Missouri, and Lucille Mae Pritchett, later Mason, of St. Francois County,  Missouri.  Bob was adopted by his aunt and uncle, Lynna and Sydney Hobbs of Texas County, Missouri because his mother faced significant challenges. During his school years, he was known as Bobby Ray Hobbs. At the age of seven, he went to live with his paternal grandmother, Effie Ward, in Houston, Missouri and later lived in several foster homes while in high school.
After attending Houston Public Schools, Bob transferred to Licking so he could commute to the vocational-technical school in Rolla, Missouri. He had a love of sports and lettered in football
and track and field which set a lifelong love of being physically fit.  He was a member of the Licking High School Debate Club, which won numerous awards. Bob earned recognition among his peers as a formidable debater. He was also a member of the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA). In 1975–76, he traveled to Washington, D.C. to accept the National VICA Speech Award.
Bob studied electronics at the Rolla Technical Institute & Center, where he graduated second in his class. Upon graduating in 1976, he accepted a position with the Rolla Sound Center. He
later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas while working two jobs and raising a family. He spent 20 years in the profession of procurement.
While working at the Rolla Sound Center, he caught the eye of one of the owner’s daughters, who frequently visited the store to shop for records. Thinking she was especially cute, Bob bravely asked his boss for permission to take her out. It was a savvy move by a young man who had already figured out the best way to win the heart of a beautiful girl.   Bob and Marta Ann Martin married on September 4,1978, in St. James, Missouri. They welcomed two cherished children: Natalie Jeanne, born in Springfield, Missouri, and Kristofer Martin, born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. During their marriage, they lived in Rolla and Springfield; Norman and Alva, Oklahoma; and Lufkin, Houston, and Cypress, Texas. Bob was baptized at the St. James Church of Christ in St. James, Missouri. Bob played softball and volleyball, but his true love was bicycling. He rode hundreds of miles a year and participated in tournaments and cycling clubs in both Lufkin and Houston, Texas. Bob was also a gifted portrait and wedding photographer who blessed many couples and families throughout Texas with his outstanding photography.
When Marta and both of their children were diagnosed with myotonic muscular dystrophy, Bob became deeply involved in fundraising efforts and MDA telethons for many years.  God later blessed Bob by bringing Debra Denise Dye of La Porte, Texas, into his life. They met at a church outing in Webster, Texas and quickly grew to deeply love and respect one another. Debra brought renewed joy, love, and enthusiasm into Bob’s life and into the lives of his children. They were married on May 25, 2019, in Portales, where Debra grew up.
Bob and Debra lived in Cypress and Portales and were known as a loving, spiritual couple who walked closely with God. They enjoyed Christian concerts, bike riding, working out, and spending time together doing anything, as long as they were together. Bob was a devoted father with a wonderful sense of humor. He and Kris constantly sparred over sports and games, while his deep love for Natalie always shone through.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Debra; daughter Natalie and son Kristofer, all of Portales; half-sister Carolyn Sue Pritchett Huelsing (Ken) of St. Louis, Missouri; half-brothers Daniel Queen Avalonne (Patti) of Oregon and Thomas Daniel Avalonne (Cheryl) of Old Bridge, New Jersey; sisters-in-law Marione Derrickson Martin (Lynn) of Alva, Oklahoma, Judy Jeanne Martin Doering (Harlan) of Tyler, Texas, Tara Lee Martin Calhoun of Norman, Oklahoma, and Katherine Dye Payton (James Stephen) of Lubbock, Texas, and brother-in-law Brian Durwood Murphy-Dye (Jennifer) of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Bob was also blessed with a multitude of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marta; his parents; grandparents Charles Marvin Ward, Effie Mendenhall Ward, Thomas Sherman “Tomie” Pritchett, and Blanche Marie Myers; his uncle Charles Edward Ward; and brothers-in-law Lynn Luther Martin and Kurt Reynolds Martin.
A family graveside service will be held in the Portales Cemetery.  Donations in memory of Bob may be made to:  Muscular Dystrophy Association, Inc., P.O. Box 7410354, Chicago, IL 60674-035

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