Paul A Ward

ELBA - Paul A Ward, 76, of Elba, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2015, at the Mini-Cassia Care Center in Burley, from and extended illness.

Paul was born March 14, 1939, in Elba, Idaho, to Art M and Beth Parish Ward. He grew up on the family ranch and enjoyed the life of a rancher. He graduated from Raft River High School and went on to Utah State University where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. On June 15, 1961, he married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Jean Warr, in the Logan Utah LDS Temple. He began his teaching career at Burley Jr. High School. He taught science and math and was a coach; coaching football, basketball and even some track. He started at Raft River Jr. High School in 1975 teaching and coaching as he had been doing. He retired from Cassia County Schools in 1995 after having taught for 33 years. He then returned full-time to ranching, his true love.

Paul was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many capacities including, a member of the bishopric for 17 years, working with the youth, teaching classes, and serving wherever he was needed.

He served on the Raft River Flood Control District and was one of the founding members. He spent several years serving as secretary/treasurer of the Elba C&H. He served as president and committee member of Elba, Inc., and was a founding member and officer of the Malta Roping Club.

Paul is survived by his wife, Beverly of Elba; his children: daughter, Marlene (Scott) Morris of Rupert, and their children, Tyrell and Calvin; daughter, Michelle (Wade) Hawkes of Paul, and their children, Cheyanna (Tyson) Grisenti of Logan, Utah, and Kayleann, Skylen, and Shaya; son, William (Ivonne) Ward of Fairbanks, Alaska, and their children, Katie and Jack; his sister, Joyce (Don) Sweep; two brothers-in-law, David (Sandy) Warren, and Olene (Janis) Warr; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother; his father and mother-in-law, Charles and Chloe Bell Warr; his sister, Carol Warren; and a brother-in-law, Melvin “Skeet” Warr.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 6, at the Elba LDS Church with Bishop Tom Ottley officiating. Burial will be in the Grand View Cemetery in Elba.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. Sunday, April 5, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 12:30 until 1:45 p.m. Monday at the church.