Robert Wesley Ward, age 61, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Ardmore, Okla. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Porter Cemetery, Carter County, with Pastor Steve Wall officiating.

Robert was born on May 20, 1964, in Grand Prairie, Texas. At the age of five, he moved with his family to Amarillo, where he attended Wolflin Elementary and Austin Junior High School. He later moved to North Texas and completed his education at Sam Rayburn High School.

From a young age, Robert had a strong passion for sports, especially football. He excelled on the field at every grade level and was also an accomplished member of the Mavericks Boys Club Dive Team, earning several medals in both high and low diving. Robert’s adventurous spirit was evident early in life. The first time he rode a bull, he won the Honey Grove Junior Rodeo—an experience that sparked a lifelong love for the sport. He also had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and cherished the memories made coon hunting alongside his father and mentor, Art Reeves.

In the early 2000s, Robert began his career in home trimming, working with his sister and brother-in-law. In 2005, he established his own business, demonstrating the independence, drive, and work ethic that defined his life.

One story that truly reflects Robert’s grit occurred during a night of coyote hunting with his brother, Richard, and friends. After a mishap caused a truck to roll over and break his leg, Robert simply propped his leg on the dashboard and said, “Let’s hunt—I can go to the hospital later.” He approached everything in life with that same determination, heart, and refusal to quit. He was a fighter until the very end.

He worked in construction most of his life; working in California and living in Monkstown, Texas, working in construction. Robert later moved to Ardmore, Okla., and opened his own business, Home Improvement Solutions. Due to his health declining in 2024, he was forced into an early retirement. Robert will be remembered for his integrity in his work. He was an avid race car driver, following the circuit with a passion. Robert loved working on race cars and going to Thunder Games.

Above all, Robert deeply loved his family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Reeves, in 2013.

Robert is survived by his wife, Cheryl Ward, two stepsons, Lance Wilkerson and Darrick Wilkerson, and eleven step-grandchildren, father: Arthur Reeves of Monkstown, sister: Gina Nelson of Youngsville, North Carolina, brother: Richard Hodges and Andaree Hodges of Wake Forest, North Carolina, nephews: Brent Hodges, and Alex Hodges (Nikki Brueck), nieces: Ashton Hodges, Kayla Ross, and Cristin Zamarripa (Joshua), great-nephews: Zachary Ross and Garrett Zamarripa, and great-niece: Riley Hodges as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Michael Pickerton, Lance Wilkerson, Richard Hodges, Kevin Bob, Shannon Hartline and Daniel Bourdon.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday evening, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, March 31, 2026, at Griffin Hillcrest Funeral Home, Ardmore.

Robert will remain forever in our hearts.