Allen "Vern" Ward
-- 1927 ~ 2010 --

Vern Ward, age 83, has joined his beloved wife and returned to his Heavenly Father on November 25, 2010. He was born July 19, 1927 to Allen Vern Ward Sr. and Ruth Davies Ward in Tooele, Utah.

Vern had a great love for his country and served in the Merchant Marines as a radio officer, and in the Army during World War II. Upon returning from his service, he met Jean Bills and later they married on September 14, 1949.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and faithfully served when he was called throughout his life He served as a Temple worker with his wife, Jean, at the Provo LDS Temple for 10 years, and 3 years at the Jordan River LDS Temple. This was a calling that was near and dear to his heart.

He loved his 7 children and grandchildren dearly. He had a deep enthusiasm and love of sports and spent many years coaching baseball and basketball for his children and rarely missed any of his grandchildren's games.

Dad had an amazing outlook on life. Whenever he was asked how he was doing, even towards the end, his response was, "perfect and getting better." We will always value his optimism.

Dad's greatest legacy is his testimony of Jesus Christ and his love of our great country. When he spoke of these things, his words were powerful and filled with such conviction that it really left a lasting impression in your heart. He has beautifully written 2 books for his children as a remembrance of his testimony. We will miss dad dearly, and his beautiful smile will live on in our hearts.

He is survived by his children, Robert (Gayla) Ward, Daughter-in-law Pat Ward, Jeff (Angie) Ward, Cheryl (Kevin) Jones, Linda (Gavin) Nelson, David (Betty) Ward, Doug (Debbie) Ward., 33 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren.. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean Bills Ward, parents, Ruth Davies Ward, and Allen Vern Ward Sr., stepmother, Venola Orwin Ward, sister, Doris Ruth, brother Bob Ward, their son, Tom Ward, and granddaughter, Alexis Nelson.

Funeral services will be held, Tuesday November 30, 2010 at Warenski Funeral Home, 1776 N. 900 E.American Fork, at 12:00 noon. A viewing will be held one hour prior to services. Interment will be at the EastLawn Cemetery, 4525 North East Lawn Drive (650 E.) Provo, Utah.