Neal Edward Ward, 94, of Rogers, Arkansas, passed away peacefully to be with The Lord October 18, 2025. Neal was born May 9, 1931, in Rogers, Arkansas, to the late Forrest Ward and Geneva (Smith) Ward. He was a graduate of Rogers High School, where he was a standout athlete in basketball and track & field. After high school, Neal spent twenty-six years in the United States Air Force serving in multiple roles as an aerial photographer, film developer, photography instructor and Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge within various departments. He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant before his retirement in 1978. After achieving his Bachelor of Science Degree at The University of Central Missouri in 1982, Neal continued federal service within The USAF as a Department of Defense civilian before retiring in 1994. He was an avid musician and played the piano, organ, and accordion. He was also an expert in lapidary and ceramics. Neal married Patricia Ann Huggins in 1956 in Thorpe St. Andrew, England. They had three children, Darryl Ward, Kerry (Ward) Denson and Ryan Ward; seven grandchildren, Colin Ward, Anne Iruegas, Kyle Ward, Michael Norman, Blake Mckenzie, Brittany (Ward) Grasby and DeeAnn Norman and ten great grandchildren. He then married Earline Long on June 15, 2004, in Rogers.

He is survived by his wife, Earline Thelma (Long) Ward of Rogers; Neal and Patricia's sons, daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren; Earline's sons, Wayne, Kent and Mark Long; Earline's grandchildren, Jake Long, Josh Long, Katy Long, Lucas Long, Montica (Long) Harrison, Travis Long, Casse Long, Taylor Long, Jessie Long, Timmy Long, Keaton Long, Matti Long and Nick Long and twenty-four great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Benton County Memorial Park & Funeral Home with Chaplain John D. Burton officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. A reception will take place after the funeral at First United Methodist Church, 307 W. Elm Street in Rogers.