Joel LeRoyal Ward

Joel LeRoyal Ward, 81, formerly of Wescosville and Sellersville, peacefully left this earth on Monday, September 25, 2023, in the ICU unit at Jefferson-Einstein Hospital in East Norriton with his immediate family and nurse, Raynetta, at his side. Joel was born in Allentown and was the son of the late Fawn J. Patterson and the late Joseph Ward. He is survived by his wife of almost 57 years, Jeanette (Tercha) Ward, his daughter, Fawn Elise, and his four-legged furry cats, especially, Pumie, and his dog, Louis V. After graduation from Valley Forge Military Academy, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force serving on a flight crew during the early days of the Vietnam conflict until he was medically discharged after spending a year in a VA hospital. Joel was a life member of the V.F.W. and a 50-year life member of the Disabled American Veterans where he served as Commander of the Lehigh Valley Chapter as the first Vietnam Commander. After his discharge, he began his career in the gas sales division of Air Products and Chemicals. He later joined Smith Transfer Corporation when they opened their Bethlehem terminal as a dispatcher. After several promotions, he became a division manager serving terminals on the east coast. During his tenure at Smith’s, the entire family enjoyed breeding and showing Akitas, Portuguese Water Dogs and Shiba Inus, both in the U.S. and Canada. With his love of animals, the family purchased Holly Farms Kennel in Sellersville and owned the kennel for 18 years until 2002. The Kennel offered boarding, grooming, and obedience. They also served several rescue groups, the SPCA, and several area police department canine dogs. They moved back to Alburtis to spend more quality family time before moving to Skippack. Joel was a 23 year member of Shiloh-MacCalla Lodge No. 558 F. & A.M. in Souderton. He also became an active member of the LuLu Shriners in Plymouth Meeting. He served as Potentate in 2009 during LuLu’s 125th anniversary. He was honored to be named Noble of the Year in 2019 and was awarded a OKET in 2000 from the Order of Quetzalcoatl. He was a 10-year member of the Investment Advisory Committee. At the time of his passing, he was the treasurer of LuLu’s Motor Unit and also the Cabiri. Joel loved his family, riding his Harley, and his antique Corvette. After retiring, he and Jeanette enjoyed cruising, especially to the Carribean. His family will be forever grateful to the Veterans Administration, Accent Home Health Care, the doctors and nurses at Jefferson-Einstein, but especially to Raynetta Parson for her loving care during his final months. Calling hours will be held from 4:00-6:00 PM, Sunday, October 1st, at Trexler Funeral Home, 1625 Highland St., Allentown, followed by a Masonic Service at 6:00 PM. Private interment will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joel’s name may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children or to Tunnel to Towers.