WARD, OWEN DELTON – September 21, 1917 – August 28, 2003

Owen Delton Ward, 85, longtime resident of Malad City, Idaho, passed away of natural causes August 28, 2003 in Providence, Utah. Delton was born September 21, 1917 in Woodruff, Idaho, in the adobe home built by his grandparents (and still standing) on the homestead they established in the 1880s. He lived and loved his life in the Malad Valley for almost all of his years, except for a brief period attending technical training in mechanics at Utah State University, and the final years of his life when his declining health required assistance.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Afton Creer Ward, and his children: Anne Ward, Logan, Utah; Carol and Barry Parkinson, Portage, Utah; Mary Ellen and Larry Knudsen, Malad; Mark and Debbie Ward, Orem, Utah; and Mile and Jinnene Ward, West Jordan, Utah, 29 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He loved the Native Americans and so it was only natural for he and his wife to accept a request to foster a young Navajo girl for three years wherein she truly became a part of their family and an unforgettable part of their lives. Louise and Charles Martinez and their four surviving children (Nageezi, New Mexico) also survive him.

Delton was a farmer, rancher, mechanic and a kid at heart. He loved the soil, crops, cattle and horses; and building, operating and working on equipment. He would have preferred to continue ranching and farming until his death. His vocation led him to be outdoors most of the time, so hunting, fishing, shooting, sleigh riding, and even motorcycles became natural additions to his entertainment. At the same time, he loved music and dancing, was a collector of thoughts, and a thinker. He was innately grateful for all the blessings he had and loved people; which led him to an inherent need to help and bless others wherever he could. He lived a life of service to God and his fellow men. Many have been blessed by knowing him, but none more than his family. Though we are sorrowed at his passing, paraphrasing the words of a little know folk song, “we will all be lifted up as we lower him down.”

Funeral services were held Wednesday, September 3, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. in the Malad 2nd/5th Ward Chapel. Interment was in the Malad City Cemetery.