Irpel Ray Ward

Irpel Ray Ward was born July 31, 1934, in Springfield, Arkansas, the son of John and Ruth Williams Ward, and the youngest of seven brothers and two sisters (James, Doc, Nadine, Erma, Jiggs, Bud, Rod, Bobby and Irpel Ray). He died peacefully on Monday, January 11, at the age of 81. Following graduation from LeTourneau Technical Institute, Ray joined the Army in January of 1956 and completed three years of service. Toward the end of his military service, he met Helen Arline Miller, the woman who would become his wife and the love of his life. They married on July 2, 1960 and, after living in various cities for the first five years of their marriage, they settled down in a brand new home in Northeast El Paso, Texas. They lived happily in this same home for 50 years, where they raised two beautiful children, made life-long devoted friends, and were active members of their community. Ray built a successful career as an engineer with IBM. He also was a founding member of the Ascarate Fishing Club, loved camping and gardening, and always found time to be a loving, patient father and devoted husband. Ray was a beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings as well as his son-in-law, Lieutenant Colonel Dino Murphy, U.S. Army. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Helen, brother Rod (wife Leah Dell), children Marilyn and Charles (wife Laura), and grandchildren Michael Ray, Alyssa Jade, Lauren Elizabeth, Matthew John and Michael Preston. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 14, 2016, from 5:00pm-9:00pm at Sunset Funeral Homes, 4631 Hondo Pass, Drive, El Paso, Texas. Rosary will be at 7:00pm. There will be a scripture service at the funeral home at 10:00am on Friday, January 15, 2016. Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.