Robert Ward

Bob Ward, son of Karl Moroni Ward and Ethelyn Towler Lindsay, was born on September 11, 1938 in Long Beach, California. On May 9, 2025, Bob suffered a life-altering stroke. After weeks of rehabilitation, he was released from the hospital. He died on June 16, 2025 at his home in Springville, Utah at age 86.

“Bob never walked,” his mother said of his childhood. “He just started running.” With enthusiasm and gusto, Bob embraced his election as student body president of the Longfellow Elementary School in Long Beach. In Jr. High, he was named the student athlete of his class. At the Long Beach Polytechnic High School, he was elected student body president and competed on the basketball and track and field teams. He graduated from high school in 1956 and then pursued a college education at Brigham Young University and at California State Long Beach University, the former from which he graduated in 1960.

In February 1961, Bob met Josephine Diantha “Diane” Benson at a church dance. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married and sealed for all eternity on June 29, 1962 in the Los Angeles Temple.

Bob supported his wife and growing family for two years as an English teacher and basketball coach at the Polytechnic High School. In 1963 he joined his father and brothers in the Ward’s Furniture Store and moved into the home at 1166 Claiborne Drive in the Bixby Knolls district of Long Beach. He and Diane resided in that home for nearly 60 years. The furniture store not only became a thriving success, it gave Bob the opportunity to be with family on a daily basis. Bob became a successful entrepreneur, investing wisely in apartments, stocks, and rare coins.

The constant in his life was his love for the Savior Jesus Christ. Bob was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and Diane had many neighbors and friends listen to missionary lessons in their home. Bob cherished the opportunity to exercise his priesthood authority by giving blessings to loved ones. The blessings were often mini-sermons. While serving as a counselor in a bishopric, Elder Spencer W. Kimball said to him, “My, you have a melodious voice.” Bob served as a counselor in the presidency of the Los Angeles California Mission, a counselor in a stake presidency, and from 1988-1997 as president of the Long Beach California Stake. Polynesian members of the stake put their lives on the line to save Ward’s Furniture Store during the Rodney King Riots of 1992.

Bob and Diane served as ordinance workers and coordinators in the Los Angeles Temple for many years. They served a mission in the Los Angeles Temple Visitors’ Center and two missions in the Nauvoo Illinois Temple (2002 and 2007). Together, they created many lasting friendships as they helped people come to know Jesus Christ. In Bob's recent hospital stay, he shared the gospel with his speech therapist, whom he invited over for dinner and to meet with the missionaries.

Honored as the “Man of the Year” by the Exchange Club in Long Beach, Bob felt undeserving of the honor until he heard this tribute: “No nation or neighborhood can rise above the caliber of its homes” followed by details of his accomplishments as a father. Bob was the recipient of the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America, the highest honor given to an adult volunteer. For those who knew him best, Bob was a collector of rare coins, sculptured eagles, ornamental spoons, and colored rocks.

Bob was always an athlete. He enjoyed playing the game of golf and was a member of the Virginia Country Club in Long Beach for nearly fifty years. He played racquetball with great skill. He looked forward to cheering on his children in their soccer and water polo games. He was the assistant coach for the high school freshman/sophomore water polo team the year they won the league championship.

Bob also loved music. He enjoyed singing with his daughters “The Rose” and “In the Hollow of Thy Hand.” When music from Les Miserables was playing, he would sing along to “Bring Him Home.” Neil Diamond was his favorite pop artist. At Christmas time, he would get out his old accordion and play “Silent Night” and “Lady of Spain.” On the piano, he played a beautiful rendition of “When I Fall in Love.”

After a difficult recovery from heart surgery, in 2021 Bob and Diane moved from Long Beach to Springville, Utah. The Clyde Recreation Center in Springville became the focal point of Bob’s early morning hours. He walked “3 miles” most days. Even in his final days, when a half a lap was all he could do, getting to “The Club” was still a highlight of his day. He was energized by interacting with those at the rec center. He said, “Hello” to everyone. They knew his name, and he was beloved by many.

Bob was preceded in death by two children: Jeffrey Traver Ward and Stacey Lynn Ward. He is survived by his wife Diane and seven children and their spouses: James (Rachel) Ward, Bradley (Kimberly) Ward, Brent (Jana) Ward, Bryan (Marybeth) Ward, David (Kathryn) Ward, Kristin (Jamie) Malone, and Kathryn (Timothy) Brandt. He is also survived by 37 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren.

His viewing will be held on Thursday, July 10th from 6-8 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse at 996 W. Center Street in Springville. His memorial service will be held on Friday, July 11th at 10 a.m. at the same location. The interment will be at the Springville City Cemetery.