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David Wayne Ward, 77, longtime educator, coach, sports official passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Integris Grove Hospital. Dave was born on August 3, 1945 in Ramona, Oklahoma to Wayne and Kathryn (Holly) Ward.
Mr. Ward was a Veteran of the United States Army National Guard.
He married his love of forty-two years Nyta Willis on July 3, 1980.
From 1969 until 1999 David Ward has taught and coached high school students throughout Oklahoma in Baseball, Softball, Basketball, track and cross country. While coaching David was very accomplished, with many wins, championships and honors including, Coach of the Year in the Oklahoma High School Coaches Association in 1989 and was inducted into the Oklahoma Girls Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. David served on the Oklahoma Girls Basketball Coaches Association Board of Directors for 7 years, prior to serving as that groups President for 10 years. He also served as the Oklahoma Girls Track Coach Association President from 1980-1983 and was named Track Coach of the Year in 1980, 1981 & 1985. David stayed active in sports even after retirement with a decorated career in officiating. Dave was still currently active in the Northeastern Oklahoma Officials Association which he led for years.
David’s life involved him heavily in sports, but in retirement he would take some time for traveling with Nyta and made several trips to watch and be a part of his grandchildren’s teams.
David was preceded in passing by his parents Wayne and Kathryn Ward, a brother Ben Ward, sisters Nancy Cloud and Kay Scott.
Those left to share Dave’s memory are his wife Nyta Ward of the home, his children Jeff Ward of Tulsa, Dana Hughes and her husband Aaron of Cherokee, John Ward and his wife Janene of Grove, his Brother Richard Ward of Ramona, his grandchildren Miles Ward, Drake Williams, Zoe Ward, Aubree Hughes and Bronc Ward along with his many relatives, friends and sports officiating family.
There will be a time of Visitation from noon until 1:30 PM on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at the First Baptist Church in Grove, Oklahoma.
David’s Celebration of Life will be at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at First Baptist Church in Grove with Reverend Gary Bishop and Reverend Jim Paslay officiating. Services have been placed in the care of Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairland.
Friends and family may send the family notes of encouragement by viewing Dave’s Tribute Page at www.brown-winters.com.
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