Kenneth William Ward, 68, a longtime Malad resident, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on November 15, 2024, from Nocardia, a bacterial infection.

Ken was born on May 31, 1956, in Malad, Idaho, the son of Golden Clifford and Emma Louise Ward. He was raised on the family farm as the youngest of eight children. He was educated in Malad and graduated with the Class of 1974.

He had a passion for raising animals, participated in 4-H, and was proud of his ability to judge quality livestock. He won the FFA State Livestock Judging Contest, an achievement he treasured. Ken was also a skilled basketball player and loved the game throughout his life. He played basketball at Malad High School, Utah State University, and Utah Valley State College. Ken found great joy in teaching others the game he loved and coached many youth basketball teams in support of his community.

Ken served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Uruguay, Montevideo. During his mission, he helped open the Paraguay, Asunción Mission. He cherished his time serving the people there and formed lifelong friendships. He loved speaking Spanish whenever he had the opportunity.

On May 5, 1978, Ken married the love of his life, Tracy Jean Budge, in the Salt Lake City Temple. Together, they were blessed with seven children—six sons and one daughter. After the birth of their third son, Ken was determined to own a farm of his own. He and Tracy purchased a farm, not to raise crops but to raise boys.

Ken worked at ATK Thiokol Corporation for 32 years, where he was honored with the prestigious NASA Silver Snoopy Award. He later worked for Certified DEF and finished his career at AmeriGas. Despite working full-time, Ken also operated a cattle ranch and farm with his sons, exemplifying hard work and dedication.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ken served as an assistant ward clerk and in various other callings. His favorite calling was teaching Primary, where he served for decades, leaving a positive impact on the children he taught. Standing six feet eight inches tall, he had no problem keeping the kids’ attention. Ken had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and was a true disciple, showing kindness and providing service to anyone in need.

Ken is survived by his wife, Tracy Jean Ward; his children, Brandon (Terra) Ward, Jedd (Mandi) Ward, Blake (Lexi) Ward, Jessica Wolfe, Trevor (Kasey) Ward, and Derek (Jordan) Ward; his daughter-in-law, Emily Ward; his brothers, J. Golden Ward and Ryan D. Ward; and his sisters, Lorene Marsing and Mary Louise Cheney.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Golden and Emma Ward; his brothers, Spencer J. Ward and Richard A. Ward; his sister, Carol Dawn Ward; and his son, Golden Kenneth Ward.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 23, at 12:00 noon. Friends may visit with the family at the Malad Stake Center, 1250 North 1100 West, on Friday, November 22, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and on Saturday, November 23, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at the Malad
City Cemetery.