Ward Hopkins Oliver

"Fill the can, and fill the cup: All the windy ways of men are but dust that rises up, and is lightly laid again."

Ward Hopkins Oliver passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the age of 96. He was born on April 20, 1930, in Mobile, Alabama to Percy Walker Oliver and Mary Sarah Ward Oliver. After proudly serving our country in the United States Navy for 11 years, Ward was honorably discharged as an Aviation Electronics Technician Chief Petty Officer. While enlisted, he worked on his undergraduate studies, graduating in 1961 from Southern Missionary College with a degree in chemistry. Ward received his PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Florida in 1964.

His 30-year career spanned multiple companies, with his longest tenure at Ciba-Geigy, where he retired in 1995. Ward was issued nine patents, two of them with his son Michael, and authored two publications.

Ward was an amateur photographer, enjoyed painting landscapes and his pastime in genealogy research resulted in his work being included in several publications.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 47 years, Edna Bates Oliver, who passed in November 2025.

He is survived by three children, Linda Konstanzer of Joplin, Missouri; Michael A. Oliver and wife Melinda of Gainesville, Georgia; and Edward H. Oliver and wife Kris of Mobile, Alabama; two stepchildren, Robert E. Southerland and wife Patsy of Birmingham, Alabama; and Gayle Fridell of Goliad, Texas; ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Graveside Service at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Mobile Memorial Gardens, 6100 Three Notch Road in Mobile, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com