Eugene Ward

Eugene Odell Ward was born in Almo, Idaho on July 12, 1936 and passed away on February 24, 2024 in Farmington, Utah. 

He was a gentleman right from the start of his life letting his twin sister, Elaine, be born 5 minutes before him.  He had dark black hair and Elaine had red hair.  They were born in the big two-story house on the ranch.  Doctor Saders was there to help deliver what he thought was one baby (Elaine).  Dr. Saders was picking his bag up to leave when mother Ward said, “Don’t go yet, there is another one.”

 Wesley and Edna Ward had five children in five years; Bob, Roscoe, Patricia, Elaine, and Eugene with Richard and Ronald added 10 years later.  It was a busy home with a lot of work to do on their sheep and cattle ranch. 

The first and last vacation the Wesley Ward family took was going to Yellowstone when Eugene was six years old. When they arrived at the cabin, Eugene wanted to check things out since it had been a long ride to get there.  He started to follow the garbage truck to see where it was going.  At the next stop the garbage man was getting out of his truck and saw that there was a bear.  It was really BIG and hungry, turning over garbage cans trying to find something to eat. When the bear saw Eugene, he was ready to get him and Eugene started screaming. The garbage man grabbed Eugene around the waist and threw him in the truck.  He slammed the door and they took off around the block until the bear was gone and dropped Eugene back off at the cabin.

Eugene was six years old when he and his twin, Elaine, started school at Almo Elementary.  The school had students from 1st grade to 8^th grade. The small school had a truck, converted into a bus, that was driven by one of the students. 

Eugene graduated from Malta High School in May, 1955 with his sister. He played football, basketball, baseball and ran track. He represented Cassia County in track by running the mile, half-mile and the medley relay races. He won several medals in the state high school track tournament. He had a nice voice and sang solos at programs and school plays.  He also participated in the high school rodeo events.

He attended Utah State University in Logan, before he left on his Mission to the Western Canadian Mission.  He served in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. 

After his mission Eugene came back to work on the ranch until he signed up to join the Army National Guard.  Before leaving for Fort Ord, California, he met Leanne Hooley. They had two dates before he left for six months training. 

Eugene married Leanne Hooley, Sept 15, 1960 in the Salt Lake Temple. Their first child  (Lora Lee) was born two years later.  Eugene later graduated from BYU in Provo, Utah with his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education in 1963.  This young family of three then set off on their own to Oregon where Eugene worked for the Forest Service.  Three other children blessed their family in the next nine years. (Jolynn, Alan, and Tina)

Eugene and Leanne returned to Utah and eventually settled in West Valley.  In 1972 they moved to Woods Cross where they had a mini farm and they raised a big garden, an assortment of farm animals, but mostly kids.  In 1981, they moved to Bountiful where they lived for 42 years.  

Our dad could make something useful out of nothing using odds and ends in his garage.  He could make anything last way beyond its life expectancy by “jimmy-rigging” it with duct tape or screws.  He truly believed in the quote, “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without”.  Water was also a precious commodity to our Dad and he would create multiple ways to catch rain water to use in his yard.  

Eugene was employed as an employment specialist for the Church of Jesus Christ and then worked for Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, and Union Pacific Railroad until retiring.   

Eugene was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many callings including the Elders Quorum Presidency, Sunday School Presidency, Sunday School teacher, High Councilman, and temple worker.  Eugene and Leanne served as missionaries in the Tulsa, Oklahoma Mission, at the Sooner Cattle Ranch, located in Pawaska, Oklahoma. 2005-2006..    

Eugene is preceded in death by his parents and by his siblings, Bob, Roscoe, Elaine, Ronnie, and a grandson, Ryan Egan.  He is survived by his wife, Leanne Hooley Ward, his siblings Richard Ward and Patricia Anderson, and four children; Lora Ward Egan (married to Tim), Jolynn Ward Rood (married to Marcus), Alan Ward (married to Theresa), Christina Ward Larsen (married to Paul).  

The family wishes to express gratitude to the many helping hands and caregivers at Legacy House Memory Care in Farmington and to Inspiration Hospice for their tender care.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 4, 2024 at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, where a viewing will be held from 12:30 - 1:45 p.m. prior to services.

Services will be streamed live on Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page and this obituary page.