John Earl Ard

John Earl Ard
Oct. 27, 1938 – May 21, 2026

John Earl Ard, 87, died May 21, 2026, surrounded by his family in Metairie, LA. Born in Tylertown on Oct. 27, 1938, John was a beloved husband, devoted father, and faithful follower of Christ.
John earned a master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and went on to serve for 38 years in education and administration. He retired in 2002 as Assistant Director of Louisiana Technical College’s Jefferson Campus, leaving behind a legacy of faithful service and dedication.
In 1959, John joined the Mississippi National Guard and was promoted to Company Commander of the Tylertown unit in 1971. He later served in the Army Reserve in Jackson, MS, and with the U.S. Army Reserve’s 377th Theater Army Area Command in New Orleans. He retired in 1989 as a Lieutenant Colonel, having served his country with honor and dedication.
John was a longtime member of Memorial Baptist Church in Metairie, where he served as a deacon, taught junior high boys and adult men’s Sunday School, served on numerous committees, and enjoyed greeting others at the door each Sunday. He was frugal with himself and generous with others, often quietly meeting unknown needs. Prayer was central to his life, and he faithfully lifted up his family, his pastor, and other leaders daily. In 1985, John joined The Gideons International because he wanted as many people as possible to have a copy of God’s Word.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Sylvia Harvey Ard; his daughter, Jennie Ard; two sisters, Lottie Mae Fortenberry and Jimmie Mason; and sister-in-law, Katie Hock. He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren Quitman and Mae James Ard; his brother, Adma Ard; and three sisters, Doris Blackwell, Mamie Stogner, and Dolees Daughtery.
Visitation was held at Memorial Baptist Church, Metairie, LA, on May 29, 2026, followed by a Celebration of Life. A graveside service with military honors was held at W. Q. Ard Cemetery, Tylertown, on May 30, 2026.