Wilbert Dale Ward Obituary (1935 - 2023)

Wilbert Dale Ward, 88 passed away December 15, 2023 at Memorial Hermann Hospital, Memorial City, Houston, Texas. He is a full body donor to the McGovern School of Medicine at The University of Texas. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 27th at 11:00 AM, in the Wellness Center Community Room at The Abbey at Westminster Plaza, 2855 Westminster Plaza, Houston, where his wife Sarah continues to reside. All who knew Dale are welcome to come. Lunch will be served after the Service. Dale was born in Brady, Texas on October 25, 1935 to Thomas Uhlan Ward and Coy Mae Callahan. He married Sarah A. (Few) Bray, July 4, 1980 and has one daughter, Courtenay Diane Crocombe from his earlier marriage to Gloria Wilhem. Dale graduated in 1951 from Carter High School in Fort Worth, Texas. In 1951, he took the opportunity to join a startup airline called Trans Texas Airways which later became Texas International. TI Airlines purchased Continental Airlines, which then merged into United Airlines. Dale served 47 years as a dedicated employee, starting as a baggage handler, promoted to Station Manager, and Properties Facilitator. He retired as their fuel expert in Quality Assurance. Dale served from 1953 thru 1954 in the U.S. Army as a Postal Clerk along the DMZ during the Korean War. Dale was a member of the Retiree Group ARECA for 20 years. He was an avid golfer spending Sunday mornings on the course, rain or shine. Some of his travels included attending the Indy 500 Races, going to Augusta National Masters and being invited to play in an Invitational by the Women's Pro-Am organization in Wilmington Delaware. He enjoyed cruising the Alaskan Coast, Hawaiian Islands and several barge trips through the wine regions of France. Dale leaves behind his wife Sarah and daughter Courtenay, and four grandchildren: Lauren McLane Siddell, Chase McLane, Paige Crocombe, and Haley Crocombe. There are six great grandchildren. Dale was the eldest child with 5 siblings: Tom (Billie) of Fort Worth; Jim (Delores) of Davis, OK and Larry (Diane) of Norfolk, VA, Mary Ellen McMurtry of Fort Worth and Harriett Conditt of Fort Worth. Memorial donations may be made to your charity of choice. Service Address: The Abbey at Westminster Plaza 2855 Westminster Plaza Dr. Houston, Texas 77082 Phone 281-556-6020