Dec. 1, 1956—Aug. 13, 2024 ALMO – On Tuesday, August 13, 2024, Douglas Harold Ward turned his pony down the trail to his eternal home with his Father in Heaven.
Douglas was a cowboy through and through. He was also a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and a true friend to those who were lucky enough to know him. He rode through this life with dignity, integrity and character.
He was a man of his word and stayed true to his convictions. He valued honesty, hard work and a dedication to his calling and purpose in this life and the life to come. Douglas was born December 1, 1956.
He was a joy to his parents Harold and Ethel Ward. He was the youngest of the family, and as such, a terror I’m sure to most. He learned the value of a hard day’s work and a love of the cowboy way of life from his father and inherited an appreciation and peace that comes from caring for and nurturing a beautiful yard from his mother.
Together they raised a young man that valued family and the ranch that he helped them to build. The fall of 1973 brought a new adventure to this cowboy’s life when a long-haired beauty moved into the area. Jayne’s love of horses and Douglas’ quick wit and humor was destined to draw them to one another.
They were married on January 18, 1975, after completing an early graduation from high school. Their commitment to each other was strong from the beginning as Douglas not only became her husband, but also her legal guardian until May of that year. Together they raised two daughters which they supported through every endeavor while building a successful cow-calf operation.
Douglas’ tenacity kept his family and the ranch growing and prospering through the thick and thin that comes with a life built on the land and from the back of a horse. Douglas also loved to serve his fellow man and his community. He served as a range rider for the Elba Cattle Association with his young bride.
They worked side-by-side on horseback everyday as they cared for the cattle that run on those majestic mountains. Later Douglas served as the President of that Association and continued to be sought after for his advice on matters pertaining to the management of the range after he handed the reins over to others. He also served in leadership roles on the Jim Sage Association and the Almo Water Company where he worked diligently to uphold the values that had been set forth by those who had founded these associations, but also help them to grow and evolve to fit the ever-changing dynamics of the agriculture industry.
He took a lot of pride in being a good neighbor and fair in his dealings with his fellow man. Douglas loved horses. He was always very patient and kind when dealing with a young colt.
Those innate gifts are what led him to be so remarkable at his favorite calling while on this earth, Bishop of the Almo Ward. While he was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the adversary knew how powerful a tool Douglas would be in the Lord’s hands and did everything in his power to keep him away. However, Douglas found his Savior when he read the Book of Mormon and it changed his and his family’s life for eternity.
Douglas and Jayne were sealed for time and eternity on August 11, 2015. From that point forward there was a whirlwind of callings, temple work and spiritual growth which culminated in Douglas being called to serve as Bishop. Douglas always loved children – from answering his daughters’ thousand “whys” to telling stories and poems, which is why it brought him the greatest joy to work with the youth of the Almo Ward.
Even as the cancer ravaged his body, he refused to miss out on church activities especially with the youth. The church and his family were very important to Douglas. His departure from this realm will be felt by all those he touched.
However, because of his faith in his Savior, he would have wanted us all to look forward to a day when we can once again ride in green pastures with him by our side. Douglas is preceded in death by his mother and father, Ethel Ward and Harold King Ward; his siblings, Ellen (Edward) Davidson, Merlin (Suzy) Taylor, Betty Florine Taylor, Connie Celestia Ward (Jack) Seamons, Joan Ward (Gar) Wayment, and Janielle Ward (Bud) Sax. He is survived by his sweetheart, Jayne Ward; her siblings, Patty (Dan) Neddo, Pamela (Goldie) Teeter, Harold Olen (Lorraine) Ward, Shirley (Elliot) Morris, Brent (Marilyn) Schvaneveldt; his children, Rebecca Ann (Samuel) Hurst and Amber Nicole “Nikki” (Shad) Francis; and his grandchildren, Bailey Jayne Hurst, Cameron Nicole Francis, Jack Douglas Francis, and Karli Grace Francis.
The funeral was held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 19, 2024 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Almo Ward, located at 834 E.
2985 S. Almo Road, in Almo. Burial followed at Sunny Cedar Rest Cemetery.
A webcast of the funeral service will be available and maintained at rasmussenwilson.com . Sign up to get the most recent local obituaries delivered to your inbox.
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