Charles Lofton Ward, Jr.

On June 28, 2025, Charles Lofton Ward, Jr. died following a valiant battle and struggle with Alzheimer's. He will be remembered as having a sharp wit and thriving mind and being a loving father and faithful husband. Chuck loved his country, his family, and his faith.

Professionally, Chuck enjoyed and thrived in service of the defense of the United States. His career spanned both military service with the US Air Force in San Antonio, Texas and Fort Walton Beach, Florida and government contractor service with General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas. Across these experiences Chuck served in varied capacities on four different military aircraft: as navigator in the F-4 Phantom, as electronics product lead for the F-16 Falcon, as electronics program integrator on the F-22 Raptor, and as project engineer on the F-35 Lightning.

These experiences provided the financial foundation for his family, with his efforts spanning greater than 40 years, and 7 assignments servicing US international allies across Europe and Asia and working with countless brilliant colleagues in the defense industry.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Patricia Ann Bellanova Ward, and their three sons Kevin (Michelle), Brian (Nancy), and Jeffrey (LaTisha). His nine grandchildren are Nicholas, Renee, David, Madeline, James, Mary, Addison, Grace, and Charlie. He is preceded in death by his parents Charles Lofton Ward, Sr. and Celine Bertin Ward and survived by his two siblings Michael Ward and Nona Flowers.

Traveling to spend quality time with family, making memories and rooting on grandchildren at baseball, football, cheerleading, softball, basketball, and band events was a great joy for him. Food, fun, and stories, while cheering on the universities where his sons attended - Geaux Tigers, Gig 'Em Aggies, and Wreck 'Em Tech - was a frequent pastime enjoyed by all that knew and loved Chuck. While all these sporting events were fun, Chuck's childhood love of the outdoors and hunting proved to be his favorite. Time spent by the campfire, in the deer blind, teaching his boys to drive and countless other moments were among the most cherished memories for him.

Extended family, local friendships, and faith filled fellowship were very important to Chuck. Holidays and milestones were gatherings of great joy whenever Chuck was around. Gregarious at celebrations, not knowing a stranger and always having a story or good joke were admirable qualities of Chuck. Laughter was a great gift for him and anyone who was around him. Commanding attention with his eloquent, jovial, and reasoned words, Chuck was a great storyteller to anyone who would lend an ear. His stories included family, sports, religion, and politics and he frequently had others laughing and enjoying their time together.

Chuck was a man of faith involved in multiple ministries including Knights of Columbus, Cursillo, ACTS, KOLBE, St Vincent de Paul Society, Food Pantries, and Habitat for Humanity. The Baptist influence of his father and Catholic beliefs of his mother laid a foundation for his ecumenical approach to matters of faith. He conveyed a certainty in his faith and trusted that the sacraments would help lead him home. Thanks to all who enriched Chuck's life and were blessed to call him friend. We pray the Lord's perpetual light shine upon him.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation may do so in Chuck's honor to St Ann Knights of Columbus Council 7175.