Donnel J Ward

On August 4, 2026, Donnel J Ward slipped quietly through the veil and into eternity. He now rests in the embrace of his beloved wife, Sharon Cottrell. We mourn his passing but rejoice knowing he lived an exemplary life, honoring his temple covenants to his last breath.

Born August 10, 1935 in Ogden, Utah, to Glen John Ward and Lois Christina Chard, Don grew up in North Ogden. Don graduated from Weber High School where he met the love of his life, Sharon Cottrell. Sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan, Utah temple, Don and Sharon shared 67 amazing years together.

Don graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in range science and management. Shortly after graduation, Don and Sharon began their newly wed life together in Ely, Nevada where Don began his career as a District Ranger for the U.S. Forest Service. A strong work ethic and his love for nature and the outdoors were perfectly matched to his new undertaking. Following Ely, Nevada, Don would continue his work as a district ranger in Spanish Fork, Utah, Preston, Idaho, and finally, Malad, Idaho. While working in Malad, Don returned to Utah State University where he earned a master’s degree in wildlife biology. (During that time he was legally blind in one eye.) Following his second graduation, he moved the family to Price, Utah, where he worked as a Wildlife biologist for the Manti Lasal National Forest District. Retiring from the Forest Service at age 50, he started a business, an apiary, which he grew to 300 bee hives selling the honey each fall.

Above all things, Don loved the Lord Jesus Christ and His plan of salvation. His love of the Lord was followed closely by his love for his eternal companion, Sharon, his four children, and the outdoors and all things hunting (especially bird hunting behind his favorite brittney spaniel, Reb).

Don’s life is a testament of the power of Christ’s atonement and personal change and growth. In 1971, after experiencing the passing of his grandfather, Albert George Ward, Don began his journey back into full church activity. Before long, he had a current temple recommend which he used regularly. He would thereafter serve as a teacher, an elder’s quorum president, ward clerk, bishop’s counselor, bishop, and director of the St. George, Utah, genealogy center. His love for the temple and the sacred work done there never waned. A man of few words, Don’s life bore witness of his testimony and love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Don is survived by his four children: Bruce Glen (Karen Brooks), Julie (Clifford Daines), Jan, and Laurie (Joseph Gee), 15 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren.

Beloved father and friend, mentor and example we bid you, “Adieu”.