Joe Myles Coward, Sr.

Joe Myles Coward, Sr. 86, of Woodville passed away peacefully on March 31, 2021.

Born May 17, 1934 in Woodville, Texas to Clinton and Opal Coward, he lived in Woodville for many years.  Joe was a man of his word and a handshake was as good as a contract.  He could work on almost anything and was well known around Tyler County for this trade.  Joe loved to deer hunt and run dogs and laid down his rifle when running dogs became illegal.  But the one thing that he truly loved was his grandchildren and each one knew just how special they were to him.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton and Opal Hicks Coward; wife of 42 years, Mollie Conner Coward; brothers, Claude Coward, Glenn Coward and Royce Coward.

He is survived by his loving wife of 12 years, Mary Frances Odom Coward; daughters, Kathi Curtis and husband, Jerry of Silsbee and Letha Jo Battle and husband, Robert of Lumberton; sons, Myles Coward of Woodville, Kevin Coward and wife, Dawn of Lovelady, Mark Odom and wife, Myra of Woodville and John Odom and wife, Lisa of Santa Fe; grandchildren, Staci Curtis McCoy and husband Sam, Joshua Curtis and wife Melissa, Craig Williams and wife Shelley, Doug Battle and wife Stephanie, Rodney Battle and wife Stacy, Rocky Coward and wife Courtney, Ben Coward, Madison Coward, Kaitlin Coward, Stephen Odom and wife Jamie, Lyndsay Odom, Christen Niccum and husband Ryan and Joseph Odom and wife Britney; numerous great grandchildren; sister, Maurine Hanks and husband, Harold; sisters-in-law, Jean Coward Miller and Melissie Evans; brother-in-law, Demp Conner; special friend, Kathy Harris and numerous other family members and friends.

Funeral service will be held Friday, April 2, 2021, at 1 pm at the Riley Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Mike Tice and Brother Curtis Herrington officiating.  Burial will follow at the Grimes Cemetery in Colmesneil.  Visitation will be held Friday from 11 am until the time of the service.

Serving as pallbearers will be his grandsons, Craig Williams, Joshua Curtis, Doug Battle, Rocky Coward, Rodney Battle and Ben Coward.  Serving as honorary pallbearers will be his granddaughters, Staci McCoy, Kaitlin Coward and Madison Coward.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joe Myles Coward, Sr., please visit our floral store.