David Albert Ward was born February 24th, 1951 in Gordon Nebraska to Delbert and Phyllis. He grew up on a ranch until his father moved back to Valentine in 1958 to a four room house with a wood stove and an out house just north of town. He would wake up during the winter with frost on his blanket and then burn his bottom on the wood stove trying to get warm. Life consisted of milking cows in the morning, school, and helping his mother. The family really moved up in the world when his father built their house with indoor plumbing in 1964. After graduating from Valentine High School, David volunteered for the US Navy. He served as an aircraft radar repairman on the USS Midway during the evacuation of Vietnam in 1975. He went back to Valentine after the service and began working with his dad in the plumbing business. He was later able to work at his true calling, cattle. He bought and sold cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, and even the odd trailer of rabbits. David worked hard as a plumber, ranch hand, cattle salesman, and on a hog confinement. He married Connie Ward on September 22nd 2007 but dark clouds formed on the horizon when he received a diagnosis of malignant prostate cancer months before the wedding. Unsure whether to put her through the coming ordeal, he offered Connie a chance to bail. But she refused and swore they would be together forever. David battled his cancer for over a decade. He was always an uplifting spirit - ready to share a laugh and in a good mood for his family, friends, even hospital staff. Despite battling intense pain David strived to be a witness for God, always confessing his love for Jesus to anyone who would listen. David's last days were spent the way he wanted, surrounded by friends and family at home in Valentine. The love of his life remained by his side as they said goodbye on October 3, 2020. David is survived by his wife Connie Ward; three brothers, Gary Ward, Ken (Kathy) Ward, and Bob Ward; three sons Justin Ward, Daniel (Sierra) Ward, and Joseph (Erica) Ward; step-son John Jr. (Jeani) Wharton and step-daughter, Heather Wharton, as well as sixteen grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Graveside service for David Ward age 69 of Valentine will be held on Saturday, Oct 10 ^th at 2:00 PM at Harmony Cemetery north of Valentine.  Family and friends memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10th at 1:00 PM at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines.  Visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 9 ^th at 5:00 PM at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines.  Mr. Ward passed away on Oct 3 ^rd at his home in Valentine.