Earl Martin Ward Iii

The family of Earl Martin Ward III, of Corpus Christi, Texas, is saddened to announce his passing on December 7, 2024 (Pearl Harbor Day) at the age of 76.

Born October 21, 1948 in San Antonio into a long line of proud Texans, he traveled extensively through his military service and career in sales. Earl enjoyed sharing his many great stories of adventure around the world.

After graduating from Irving High School in 1966, Earl enlisted in the U.S. Army, beginning 38 years of dedicated service. As an Army ranger, he served tours in Vietnam, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, and Afghanistan, earning numerous military honors, including four Bronze Stars, a Silver Star, and a Purple Heart.

In addition to his overseas travel with the military, Earl lived on the West Coast working in sales for Haworth for whom he travelled extensively in the Far East. He remembered fondly his years rescuing seals at the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito and drinking wine in Napa while living in the San Francisco Bay area.

After retiring, Earl returned to Texas to be closer to family. There, he obtained a degree in photography and pursued many hobbies.

Earl knew how to enjoy life to the fullest. A collector of many things, he often teased, “You can’t take it with you,” as he added another camera, guitar, motorcycle or bottle of whiskey to his collections. Above all, he enjoyed spoiling his loved ones, especially his grandchildren, delighting in buying them gifts their parents had said no to - including weekly milkshakes.

He was loyal and dedicated. Earl was deeply involved with the Patriot Guard Riders and the Veterans Association in an array of initiatives to help and honor other veterans. His family will remember him as the most loving and supportive husband, brother, father and granddad.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Lawrence Levi Allison and Addie Webb Allison, from Big Wells, Texas, parents, Mary Iona Allison from Irving, Texas and Earl Martin Ward Jr. from Alpine, Texas, and his brother, Lawrence Lovell Hatridge from Irving, Texas.

Earl is survived by his loving wife, Susan Ward and his brothers and sisters-in-law Jerry and Pam Hatridge of Salado, Texas, John and Carolyn Hatridge of Granbury, Texas and Michael and Cindy Hatridge of Mabank, Texas. He was a cherished father, and father-in-law, of Shannon and Tony Oldham, Danielle Gaston, Heather and Christopher Devlin, Jr., and Josh and Elizabeth Farmer, adoring granddad to Kaylyn, Grace, Olivia, Brandon, Blake, Benjamin, Kathryn, Christopher, Madison and William, and devoted great granddad to Jason, Charlotte and Sara.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, ASPCA, or your favorite charity in memory of Earl.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

To leave your condolences for the family of Earl Martin Ward III, share your memories, or visit his tribute wall, please go to www.trevinofuneralhome.net.