Odis (Otha Lee) Ward, son of the late Ernest and Daisy Lee Ward, was born in McGehee, Arkansas on May 29, 1940.
Odis was in the US Army from 1955 through 1958, he then joined the USAF in 1958. In the Air Force, he worked in supply -- a position that prepared him for civilian jobs. He rose to the rank of master sergeant and also did helicopter surveillance work, often rescuing people caught in mine fields. In Vietnam, Ward served at Phan Rang, Danang and Saigon. He spent a total of 26 years on Active Duty, which included three tours in Vietnam.
Odis was an active member of the following organizations:
BLUE HOUSE: While in the military he became a Master Mason in Great Falls Montana in the Northern Lights Lodge. He demitted into the Military Lodge No. 27 in 1979 and became the Worshipful Master of David Coe Lodge No. 2 in 1981. Past Master Ward became a member of Jack Haywood Lodge No. 6 shortly thereafter and remained a member of that Lodge.Since that time he has been continuously active serving in every aspect of Masonry. Odis attained the ultimate position in Prince Hall Masonry by becoming the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Jurisdiction of Nevada Inc., serving with honor and distinction from 1989 through 1992.
SCOTTISH RITE: Odis was elevated to the Thirty-second Degree in Westgate Consistory, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry (A.A.S.R) Phoenix, AZ in 1975 and was created a Grand Inspector General of the 33d Degree in 1984. He served as the Keeper of the Seal and Archives for the Council of Deliberation and the Thrice Potent Master, Sunrise Lodge of Perfection.
SHRINEDOM: Odis was created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine in 1976 at Moslem Temple No. 79 in Phoenix, AZ and he became the Illustrious Potentate of Ophir Temple No. 211, Las Vegas, NV in 1988. He also held the office of Deputy Imperial Organizer, Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order, Nobles Mystic Shrine (A.E.A.O.N.M.S.) of North & South America for the Desert of Nevada.
ORDER OF EASTERN STAR: Brother Ward served as Past Worthy Patron of Alpha and Omega Chapter No. 4, Order of the Eastern Star (O.E.S) and as Grand Worthy Patron of Desert Rose Grand Chapter, O.E.S. (PHA). He also served as Vice Co-Chairman of the Conference of Prince Hall Grand Chapters, O.E.S...
Elks Lodge: Past Grand Exalted –Ruler, PSP, Past Exalted-Ruler of Paran Lodge No.1508. Pacific/Northwest Division Commander Emeritis of the Antlered Guard Department of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks of the World (I.B.P.O.E.of W).
Veteran of Foreign Wars: Past Post Commander of the American Legion in Phoenix, AZ. Grand Commissioner of Veteran Affairs West. Past State Commander for the State of Nevada VFW Post 10047, 1987-1988, earning the coveted All-American status. He was also National Vice Chairman of Homeless Veterans and Western Conference chairman.
On Friday, January 16, 2015 God called Odis home to join Ernest and Daisy Lee Ward, his parents who had preceded him in death.