Willard Ross Stuard

Willard Ross Stuard, 86, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on Tuesday morning, July 7, 2026.

A memorial service celebrating his life and legacy will be held on Saturday, July 11, at 2:00 p.m. at Aledo United Methodist Church. Family and friends will be invited to share their favorite memories of Willard during the service. Family visitation will be held on Friday, July 10, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Aledo United Methodist Church.

Willard was born on October 16, 1939, in Ranger, Texas, to C.H. Stuard and Jessie White Stuard. He was welcomed by his older sister, Evelyn. Willard attended Aledo schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, graduating in 1957. He went on to attend Texas A&M University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science in 1962. Later, he earned a Master of Science in Education from North Texas State University.

In 1968, Willard married the love of his life, Carol Lee Stoughton Stuard. A few years later, their daughter, Sarah, was born, completing their family of 7 alongside Elizabeth, Penny, David, and Joey.

Willard began his career with Aledo High School in 1962, serving in many roles throughout his 33 years with Aledo ISD. From driving a school bus and coaching athletics to serving as an elementary principal, he dedicated himself to the students and community. His favorite role was coaching the girls' basketball team, and those memories remained among his most treasured. He concluded his career as Superintendent of Schools for Aledo ISD. Willard Ross Stuard Elementary School was later named in his honor.

After retiring in 1995, Willard and Carol moved to Eastland County, where he fulfilled a lifelong passion for raising gray Brahman cattle. Together, they also enjoyed traveling the world, taking numerous trips over the years before eventually relocating to the west side of Fort Worth. Willard loved his cattle, all sports, and, above all, his family. He will be especially missed by his grandsons, who always enjoyed rubbing his bald head for good luck.

Willard was preceded in death by his parents, C.H. and Jessie Stuard; his sister, Evelyn Stuard Trendel; his son, Joseph Brannon; and his daughter, Penny Brannon Fisher.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; his daughter, Sarah Stuard Mason and her husband, Joe, daughter, Elizabeth Brannon; son, David Brannon; his grandchildren, Angela Collins Wigley and her husband, Kevin; Becky Collins Decker and her husband, J.R.; Lauren Atherton; Jenna Brannon; William Fisher; Jacob Mason; Zachary Mason; and Adam Mason; his great-grandchildren, Victoria Wigley Kier and her husband, Rasheed; Alyssa Wigley Zerr and her husband, Jake; Collin Wigley; Delanie Wigley; Emma Wigley; Sinclair Decker; and Sullivan Decker; and his great-great-grandson, Camden Kier.

Willard's legacy lives on through the countless students, educators, and friends whose lives he touched through his generosity, kindness, and unwavering dedication to serving others.