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Douglas Harold Ward

Dec. 1, 1956 - Aug. 13, 2024

Date of Service: Aug. 19, 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 will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, August 19, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Almo Ward, located at 834 E. 2985 S Almo Road, in Almo. Burial will follow at Sunny Cedar Rest Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received from 4 until 6 p.m. Sunday, August 18, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th Street, in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Monday, preceding the funeral, at the church.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/-yswU9ohfqc.

A video tribute to the Doug's life is available at the following link: https://youtu.be/MEYArWhChCU.

Listen to the Service:

Condolences for Douglas Harold Ward

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Kirk Ottley:

I was saddened to read of Doug's passing and offer my deepest sympathy and most sincere condolences to his family and loved ones! He was one of the first students I met when I entered Raft River High, and I always appreciated his friendliness, wit, and our shared love of critters. May you find peace, comfort and happiness in your memories of Doug and the great man that he is!

From Linda Sauer:

My deepest sympathy and condolences for your loss. I'll miss waving hello as I passed him on his horse as he and family were moving his cattle down EY road.
He always took time to greet me with hus generous smile.

From Vickie Jones Cutler:

Doug was a dear old friend who was always kind and happy. Indeed they are one of the best couples. I’m so sorry Jayne. Love, Vickie

From CLAY ANDERSON:

My deepest thought and prayer to this great man and family. Doug will be surely be missed. I wont be able to attend but my thoughts are with you all at this time. Doug was a great friend example to all.

From McCord Larsen:

A genuinely good man. Glad to have known him and thankful for his influence on our community. His passing leaves a cowboy sized hole in our hearts.

From Sara Anderson:

My favorite memories growing up will always be trailing cows with Doug and the War family. It was always such a good time and we loved him and loved his kindness. So grateful I got to have him as a patient a couple months ago. It was a blessing to visit one more time. He was such a good man.

From Laurie Lu:

To a man who in changing his life, changed others. I will miss you singing Happy Birthday to me, my friend. Thank you for your example in keeping a cheerful countenance in times of adversity. 'Til we meet again.

From Sara Anderson:

My favorite memories growing up will always be trailing cows with Doug and the Ward family. It was always such a good time and we loved him and his kindness. So grateful I got to have him as a patient a couple months ago. It was a blessing to visit one more time. He was such a good man.

From Richard Hall :

Truly a great man. He was a great example to me. He will be missed.

From Annie McAsey:

A Legend! Rest Peacefully Cowboy - May the colts be smooth and the waters sweet

From Richard Hall :

Truly a great man. He was a great example to me. He will be missed.

From Ken & Billie Rae DeNaughel :

To Jayne, Becky, Nikki, and family. We were so touched to have known the Ward family. Doug was always so kind to us and we always loved 'meeting' them by chance on the New Canyon Mtn. We have cherished your friendship for many years and wish you all the best in the coming days and months as you cherish the many memories you have made in your family. Thank you for ours.

From Kathy Collett:

Love, hugs and prayers to all. We pray the many cherished memories will bring peace and comfort to your broken hearts. With deepest sympathy Tim, Kathy Collett and family

From Claretta W Rittel:

Jayne and girls, I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy goes to you. My heart will always be in the Burley area and those wonderful women that I was privileged to serve.

From Trevor Stapelman :

One of the nicest men I've ever had the pleasure of meeting and doing business with.

From Pat and Shana Cahoon:

Prayers and Love to the Ward Family!! Pat Cahoon and I ( Shana Taylor Cahoot won't be able to attend, but will watch his celebration by webcam. Thanks to Rasmusson Funeral!! Best Wishes and Hugs!!

From Becky Rose:

My deepest sympathy to all the family.

From Rhonda Chatterly:

My condolences to Doug’s family. He fought a good fight and set a good example. Prayers for all.

From Dee Yeaman:

In a world where there are so many cheap imitations, it is good to have known Doug. Nothing phony about that man. He was the real deal. My condolences to family and friends. He will be missed.

From Shelley Jones:

Hugs and love from the Taylor/Jensen families

From Jeff Johnson:

One of the good ones. Condolences to the Ward family.

From Juanita Brady:

I’m so sorry for your loss. Doug has been in our prayers. Please accept our sincere sympathy. My brother Ferris and cousin Jane has been giving me updates.
Juanita Brady

From Wendy Bench Morrison:

My heart is grieving for his family. He is one of the kindest men I’ve ever met! A true example of Jesus Christ.

From Dinah Reaney:

I’m sorry for your loss. He was a good man and always treated me with respect and a good rancher at heart.

From Curtis Richins:

Doug is a good man and a wonderful example of being a Christian. Whenever I think of Doug, I smile. He is genuine and I am the better man for knowing him.

From Isaac Loveland:

Doug was a great influence and a great man. We would all be better off if there were more men like Doug. We will surely miss him.

From Isaac Loveland:

Doug was a great influence and a great man. We would all be better off if there were more men like Doug. We will surely miss him.

From Richard Hitt and Family:

Deepest sympathies to Doug's family. He was a one-of-a-kind high school classmate. Our world is less without him.

From Ken Black:

I’ve bought a lot of cattle from Doug over the years. He was a stand-up guy and fun to be around. This hurts.

From Sharon Hutchison:

Thinking of you with Sincere Sympathy and Fond Memories of your loved one. So sorry for your loss.

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