John Ward Obituary, Northwest, Texas – Regrettably, John Ward, the former city manager of Amarillo, has passed away. On Tuesday, at the age of 70, Ward departed. According to the city, Ward served as the city manager from 1983 to 2005. According to his obituary, Amarillo saw significant growth in its amenities during that period, including a youth baseball complex, additional libraries, municipal parks, golf courses, and a tennis center at John Stiff Park. In addition, a multitude of noteworthy events unfolded: the construction of the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, the renovation of the airport terminal, the assurance of a 300-year water supply for the city’s reservoir, the expansion of the Amarillo Zoo, the establishment and subsequent sale of Northwest Texas Hospital, and the formation of the Downtown Revitalization Organization Center City.
After a challenging battle with a lung infection, we had to say our goodbyes to him this past Tuesday. Throughout his 21 years as Amarillo’s city manager, he maintained a strong belief in the importance of supporting local businesses. By being a part of the process to establish Amarillo’s Economic Development Center, he had the opportunity to see firsthand the strong backing from the community for local business owners. The community’s support for our modest goal was something he deeply valued, and he was our strongest champion. We deeply value our clients and consider them an integral part of our community. During this difficult period, we kindly request your support and well wishes. Although we are aware of his eventual reunion with us in paradise, his absence is deeply felt in our earthly realm. Amarillo saw the construction of three more fire stations, the Fire Administration building, a downtown bus terminal, and new police and judicial buildings.
He had previously held the position of assistant city manager for four years. Boxwell Brothers is pleased to announce that we will be hosting a viewing on Sunday from 3 to 4:30 p.m. The funeral for Hillside Christian Church West Campus will take place on Monday at 1 o’clock. The funeral John Quentin Ward, 70, of Amarillo, Texas, peacefully passed away on March 19, 2024. Hillside Christian Church – Amarillo West Campus is honored to announce a funeral service that will take place on Monday, March 25, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. A private burial will take place after the service, with Reverend Tommy Politz and Reverend Darrell G. Brown officiating. Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home in Amarillo, Texas cordially invites you to attend the visitation on Sunday, March 24, 2024, from 3:00-4:30 p.m.
John was born on July 14, 1953, in rural Borger, Texas, to a family who cherished him deeply. His sisters Dena and Kay held him in high regard, even though he was the youngest of three children. John was a nature-loving, down-to-earth country lad who had a passion for Little League baseball. From fixing things around the house to tending to the garden and tinkering in the garage, he closely followed in his dad’s footsteps and acquired valuable skills along the way. In addition, John and his father were avid golf enthusiasts, dedicating a significant amount of their time to playing at the golf course near their family residence.
John first encountered Kel Seliger during their time in first grade. They enjoyed socializing together, engaging in sports activities, and successfully completed their high school education in 1971. It was quite unexpected that John would assume the role of city manager and Kel would be elected as the mayor of Amarillo. Whenever John and his friends went for a neighborhood run, his mother would always signal their return by loudly honking an old car horn. John was able to purchase his beloved green Firebird after diligently saving money from various odd jobs. According to his sisters, John may have felt uneasy at times, but they remember him rarely getting into any difficulties.
John was highly regarded by his nieces and nephews. John’s nieces and nephews were filled with excitement as they eagerly awaited his arrival at the Borger Christmas gathering. Everyone has an incredible uncle, but those kids believed theirs was truly exceptional! John’s nieces and nephews thoroughly enjoyed the summers, but they found the Christmases to be the most delightful. John faithfully joined them each year on their annual summer trip to Amarillo’s Wonderland, making sure that everyone enjoyed the rides to their heart’s content. His nieces and nephews will forever cherish the memories of Uncle John, who always had insightful advice, a joyful laugh, and a warm smile.
John, a freshman, joined the West Texas State University basketball team upon enrolling at the institution. In 1974, he made a change in his academic pursuits and decided to pursue degrees in public administration and business, after initially considering mathematics and physics. Upon careful consideration of pursuing a career in law, he discovered the Southern Regional Training Program. This program provides specialized public administration programs to individuals with exceptional talent. John enthusiastically embraced the opportunity and enrolled in courses offered by the universities of Alabama and Tennessee. In 1976, he possessed a master’s degree in public administration as his credential.
He returned to Amarillo that year and gradually advanced to the position of assistant city manager, having previously worked as an administrative analyst for the city until late 1979. John, at the young age of 29, assumed the role of city manager after his predecessor retired four years later. He may have held the distinction of being the most youthful city manager in the nation for a city the magnitude of Amarillo upon his appointment. During his tenure, the city he oversaw had a substantial budget of over $100 million and a significant workforce of over 1,500 full-time and 300 part-time employees, making it one of Amarillo’s top employers. His unwavering commitment to Amarillo was evident in his meticulous management of daily affairs and his forward-thinking approach to the city’s development.
During his 21 years as city manager, Amarillo saw the addition of three libraries, six parks, two golf courses, a tennis center, a youth baseball complex, and John Stiff Park. In addition, several notable events unfolded: the establishment of the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, the renovation of the airport terminal, the assurance of a 300-year water supply for the city’s reservoir, the expansion of the Amarillo Zoo, the construction and subsequent sale of Northwest Texas Hospital, and the formation of the Downtown Revitalization Organization Center City. Amarillo saw the construction of three more fire stations, the Fire Administration building, a downtown bus terminal, and new police and judicial buildings.
John encountered Donna DeRight during her tenure as the city manager. John and Donna maintained their friendship even after John’s retirement from Amarillo City. As their bond grew stronger in 2011, John realized that Donna was the perfect match for him. Donna shared similar feelings, and on February 16, 2013, they got married. As a couple, they held great value in their home and cherished the countless memorable moments they experienced there. They graciously opened their doors to friends and family, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. John took on the position of CEO at Maxor National Pharmacy Services in 2004. Maxor National Pharmacy Services was established by Jerry Hodge, a former mayor, which brought together an interesting pair. Despite his lack of prior experience, John quickly grasped the intricacies of Pharmacy Services.
Maxor’s rise to prominence can be attributed to John’s exceptional ability to envision and strategize on a national scale. John’s ability to anticipate market changes and capitalize on the growth of Pharmacy Benefit Services can be attributed to his extensive training and experience as a city manager. He skillfully utilized his interpersonal skills to motivate and enhance the performance of Mr. Hodge’s team, resulting in increased profits. Jerry’s business acumen was perfectly complemented by John’s exceptional leadership, making them an ideal duo for the corporation. Their harmonious collaboration propelled Maxor’s achievements and growth. John was employed by Hodge Management Group during his later years. Thanks to his expertise and astute decision-making, John successfully utilized his experience and knowledge to make strategic investments in this commercial venture. John thoroughly enjoyed his daily commute to the office, where he could socialize with friends and discuss upcoming business prospects.
John’s life was enriched by the support and love of his wife Donna and stepdaughter Kristin, allowing him to achieve great things. He found joy in playing golf and observing various sports. He held his family in high regard, yet he also relished the solitude of his evenings spent at home. His extensive expertise will be deeply missed by all those fortunate to have had the privilege of knowing him. John, Frank, and Ozline Ward’s parents tragically passed away before John’s birth. Donna, his stepdaughter, Kristin, Dena Bailey, his sister Kay Willerton, John, his sister-in-law, and a significant number of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends will continue his legacy
