Paul Gene Ward, 82, of Sun City, AZ (formerly of Pierre, SD) passed away on October 16, 2020.
Paul Gene Ward was born to Clare and Mary (Gaughan) Ward on June 17, 1938 in Pierre, SD where he was raised with 12 brothers and sisters.
Paul joined the Navy, along with a few of his friends, when they completed High School in 1957. He spent four years in the Navy as an engineman. He would tell us that "they cleaned up after the Korean war and got things ready for the Vietnam war." He also told us kids about a trip to Tijuana where he ended up in jail. He claims that he was an innocent bystander, but to this day we don't believe we have the real story! Paul finished serving his country in 1961.
He returned to Pierre, SD where he began working in his father's business, Snappy Delivery. Snappy Delivery had a contract with Pierre State News to deliver papers to delivery drop off points. Darlene Lenice Ward worked at Pierre State News as the Circulation Manager. This is where Paul and Darlene met. They married in 1962 and together they raised six children. Paul took ownership of Snappy Delivery in 1981.
Paul had many interests during his life. He enjoyed driving a semi to deliver household furniture while running Snappy Delivery.
He was in the Knights of Columbus for 44 years where he served as a third degree Grand Knight and fourth degree as Faithful Navigator. He was also a member of the Pierre Elks Lodge for 32 years, a member of the American Legion for 27 years and a life member of DAV.
Paul was always available to help someone in need. Either through his work with Snappy Delivery, his association with the Knights of Columbus or his volunteer work with the Boy Scouts of America. Paul enjoyed running Bingo on Monday nights and serving breakfast on Sunday mornings for the Knights of Columbus fundraisers. Kurt Neyhart and Paul were the main organizers for the summer boy scout camps for many years. He would talk about how much they enjoyed helping the scouts earn their badges. In addition to his work with these organizations, he enjoyed taking his family camping in the Black Hills with his brother Jack and his family. We remember many trips riding in the back of the van wondering if Uncle Jack was lost and of course Dad would play along.
Paul was known and loved by many. One of us would ride with Dad on a quick errand and we would bump into someone he knew and would spend, what felt like HOURS, waiting for him to finish visiting. He genuinely enjoyed talking to friends and strangers.
In 2010, Paul promised Darlene that they would retire to Arizona in two years. They worked hard together and moved to Arizona in 2012. Semi-retirement was an unexpected enjoyment for him. They spent several years together traveling, hosting family, and spending time with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
They would travel to South Dakota every year where Paul would lend a hand with the day-to-day business of Snappy Delivery. Paul and Darlene were married for 53 years.
After Darlene's passing, Paul found enjoyment with his family, annual visits with his sisters, brothers, sister and brothers-in-laws. He developed a loving relationship with Phyllis "Maureen" Edwards, a former classmate, until her passing in May 2020.
During the recent pandemic, Paul spent his quarantine time cleaning out his shed, garage, saying the rosary and walking to the mailbox. In May, he decided he wanted a Fitbit so he could start tracking his steps. He started at 5,000 steps and built up to 18,000 steps a day by August. He was able to lose 20 lbs and reduce his need to use insulin. He had a friendly competition going with his brother Donny to see who could walk the most steps each day. We believe that Dad won!
Paul turned Snappy Delivery over to his son Randy in 2012 when he "retired". He was very happy knowing that Snappy Delivery will continue to be run by a "Ward" not only the third generation, but the fourth generation with the involvement of Randy's son, Jonathon.
Dad spent the last days of his life at home surrounded by family and friends.
He is survived by his 6 children, his 11 grandchildren, his 3 great grandchildren, his siblings and their spouses, his sister-in-law and many wonderful nieces and nephews, and many amazing family cats and dogs.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene Ward; his mother, Mary Ward; his father, Clare Ward; sister, Peggy Ward; mother-in-law, Margaret New; father-in-law, Arthur New; son-in-law, Lealon Spaulding; sister-in-law, Penny New; brother-in-law, Donald New; sister-in-law, Velma Ward; and niece Clara Finn.
Service will be held on Saturday, October 31st 10:00am at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church 304 N Euclid Ave, Pierre, SD 57501.
Paul Gene Ward was born to Clare and Mary (Gaughan) Ward on June 17, 1938 in Pierre, SD where he was raised with 12 brothers and sisters.
Paul joined the Navy, along with a few of his friends, when they completed High School in 1957. He spent four years in the Navy as an engineman. He would tell us that "they cleaned up after the Korean war and got things ready for the Vietnam war." He also told us kids about a trip to Tijuana where he ended up in jail. He claims that he was an innocent bystander, but to this day we don't believe we have the real story! Paul finished serving his country in 1961.
He returned to Pierre, SD where he began working in his father's business, Snappy Delivery. Snappy Delivery had a contract with Pierre State News to deliver papers to delivery drop off points. Darlene Lenice Ward worked at Pierre State News as the Circulation Manager. This is where Paul and Darlene met. They married in 1962 and together they raised six children. Paul took ownership of Snappy Delivery in 1981.
Paul had many interests during his life. He enjoyed driving a semi to deliver household furniture while running Snappy Delivery.
He was in the Knights of Columbus for 44 years where he served as a third degree Grand Knight and fourth degree as Faithful Navigator. He was also a member of the Pierre Elks Lodge for 32 years, a member of the American Legion for 27 years and a life member of DAV.
Paul was always available to help someone in need. Either through his work with Snappy Delivery, his association with the Knights of Columbus or his volunteer work with the Boy Scouts of America. Paul enjoyed running Bingo on Monday nights and serving breakfast on Sunday mornings for the Knights of Columbus fundraisers. Kurt Neyhart and Paul were the main organizers for the summer boy scout camps for many years. He would talk about how much they enjoyed helping the scouts earn their badges. In addition to his work with these organizations, he enjoyed taking his family camping in the Black Hills with his brother Jack and his family. We remember many trips riding in the back of the van wondering if Uncle Jack was lost and of course Dad would play along.
Paul was known and loved by many. One of us would ride with Dad on a quick errand and we would bump into someone he knew and would spend, what felt like HOURS, waiting for him to finish visiting. He genuinely enjoyed talking to friends and strangers.
In 2010, Paul promised Darlene that they would retire to Arizona in two years. They worked hard together and moved to Arizona in 2012. Semi-retirement was an unexpected enjoyment for him. They spent several years together traveling, hosting family, and spending time with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
They would travel to South Dakota every year where Paul would lend a hand with the day-to-day business of Snappy Delivery. Paul and Darlene were married for 53 years.
After Darlene's passing, Paul found enjoyment with his family, annual visits with his sisters, brothers, sister and brothers-in-laws. He developed a loving relationship with Phyllis "Maureen" Edwards, a former classmate, until her passing in May 2020.
During the recent pandemic, Paul spent his quarantine time cleaning out his shed, garage, saying the rosary and walking to the mailbox. In May, he decided he wanted a Fitbit so he could start tracking his steps. He started at 5,000 steps and built up to 18,000 steps a day by August. He was able to lose 20 lbs and reduce his need to use insulin. He had a friendly competition going with his brother Donny to see who could walk the most steps each day. We believe that Dad won!
Paul turned Snappy Delivery over to his son Randy in 2012 when he "retired". He was very happy knowing that Snappy Delivery will continue to be run by a "Ward" not only the third generation, but the fourth generation with the involvement of Randy's son, Jonathon.
Dad spent the last days of his life at home surrounded by family and friends.
He is survived by his 6 children, his 11 grandchildren, his 3 great grandchildren, his siblings and their spouses, his sister-in-law and many wonderful nieces and nephews, and many amazing family cats and dogs.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene Ward; his mother, Mary Ward; his father, Clare Ward; sister, Peggy Ward; mother-in-law, Margaret New; father-in-law, Arthur New; son-in-law, Lealon Spaulding; sister-in-law, Penny New; brother-in-law, Donald New; sister-in-law, Velma Ward; and niece Clara Finn.
Service will be held on Saturday, October 31st 10:00am at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church 304 N Euclid Ave, Pierre, SD 57501.
Paul Gene Ward, 82, of Sun City, AZ (formerly of Pierre, SD) passed away on October 16, 2020.
Paul Gene Ward was born to Clare and Mary (Gaughan) Ward on June 17, 1938 in Pierre, SD where he was raised with 12 brothers and sisters.
Paul joined the Navy, along with a few of his friends, when they completed High School in 1957. He spent four years in the Navy as an engineman. He would tell us that "they cleaned up after the Korean war and got things ready for the Vietnam war." He also told us kids about a trip to Tijuana where he ended up in jail. He claims that he was an innocent bystander, but to this day we don't believe we have the real story! Paul finished serving his country in 1961.
He returned to Pierre, SD where he began working in his father's business, Snappy Delivery. Snappy Delivery had a contract with Pierre State News to deliver papers to delivery drop off points. Darlene Lenice Ward worked at Pierre State News as the Circulation Manager. This is where Paul and Darlene met. They married in 1962 and together they raised six children. Paul took ownership of Snappy Delivery in 1981.
Paul had many interests during his life. He enjoyed driving a semi to deliver household furniture while running Snappy Delivery.
He was in the Knights of Columbus for 44 years where he served as a third degree Grand Knight and fourth degree as Faithful Navigator. He was also a member of the Pierre Elks Lodge for 32 years, a member of the American Legion for 27 years and a life member of DAV.
Paul was always available to help someone in need. Either through his work with Snappy Delivery, his association with the Knights of Columbus or his volunteer work with the Boy Scouts of America. Paul enjoyed running Bingo on Monday nights and serving breakfast on Sunday mornings for the Knights of Columbus fundraisers. Kurt Neyhart and Paul were the main organizers for the summer boy scout camps for many years. He would talk about how much they enjoyed helping the scouts earn their badges. In addition to his work with these organizations, he enjoyed taking his family camping in the Black Hills with his brother Jack and his family. We remember many trips riding in the back of the van wondering if Uncle Jack was lost and of course Dad would play along.
Paul was known and loved by many. One of us would ride with Dad on a quick errand and we would bump into someone he knew and would spend, what felt like HOURS, waiting for him to finish visiting. He genuinely enjoyed talking to friends and strangers.
In 2010, Paul promised Darlene that they would retire to Arizona in two years. They worked hard together and moved to Arizona in 2012. Semi-retirement was an unexpected enjoyment for him. They spent several years together traveling, hosting family, and spending time with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
They would travel to South Dakota every year where Paul would lend a hand with the day-to-day business of Snappy Delivery. Paul and Darlene were married for 53 years.
After Darlene's passing, Paul found enjoyment with his family, annual visits with his sisters, brothers, sister and brothers-in-laws. He developed a loving relationship with Phyllis "Maureen" Edwards, a former classmate, until her passing in May 2020.
During the recent pandemic, Paul spent his quarantine time cleaning out his shed, garage, saying the rosary and walking to the mailbox. In May, he decided he wanted a Fitbit so he could start tracking his steps. He started at 5,000 steps and built up to 18,000 steps a day by August. He was able to lose 20 lbs and reduce his need to use insulin. He had a friendly competition going with his brother Donny to see who could walk the most steps each day. We believe that Dad won!
Paul turned Snappy Delivery over to his son Randy in 2012 when he "retired". He was very happy knowing that Snappy Delivery will continue to be run by a "Ward" not only the third generation, but the fourth generation with the involvement of Randy's son, Jonathon.
Dad spent the last days of his life at home surrounded by family and friends.
He is survived by his 6 children, his 11 grandchildren, his 3 great grandchildren, his siblings and their spouses, his sister-in-law and many wonderful nieces and nephews, and many amazing family cats and dogs.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene Ward; his mother, Mary Ward; his father, Clare Ward; sister, Peggy Ward; mother-in-law, Margaret New; father-in-law, Arthur New; son-in-law, Lealon Spaulding; sister-in-law, Penny New; brother-in-law, Donald New; sister-in-law, Velma Ward; and niece Clara Finn.
Service will be held on Saturday, October 31st 10:00am at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church 304 N Euclid Ave, Pierre, SD 57501.
Paul Gene Ward was born to Clare and Mary (Gaughan) Ward on June 17, 1938 in Pierre, SD where he was raised with 12 brothers and sisters.
Paul joined the Navy, along with a few of his friends, when they completed High School in 1957. He spent four years in the Navy as an engineman. He would tell us that "they cleaned up after the Korean war and got things ready for the Vietnam war." He also told us kids about a trip to Tijuana where he ended up in jail. He claims that he was an innocent bystander, but to this day we don't believe we have the real story! Paul finished serving his country in 1961.
He returned to Pierre, SD where he began working in his father's business, Snappy Delivery. Snappy Delivery had a contract with Pierre State News to deliver papers to delivery drop off points. Darlene Lenice Ward worked at Pierre State News as the Circulation Manager. This is where Paul and Darlene met. They married in 1962 and together they raised six children. Paul took ownership of Snappy Delivery in 1981.
Paul had many interests during his life. He enjoyed driving a semi to deliver household furniture while running Snappy Delivery.
He was in the Knights of Columbus for 44 years where he served as a third degree Grand Knight and fourth degree as Faithful Navigator. He was also a member of the Pierre Elks Lodge for 32 years, a member of the American Legion for 27 years and a life member of DAV.
Paul was always available to help someone in need. Either through his work with Snappy Delivery, his association with the Knights of Columbus or his volunteer work with the Boy Scouts of America. Paul enjoyed running Bingo on Monday nights and serving breakfast on Sunday mornings for the Knights of Columbus fundraisers. Kurt Neyhart and Paul were the main organizers for the summer boy scout camps for many years. He would talk about how much they enjoyed helping the scouts earn their badges. In addition to his work with these organizations, he enjoyed taking his family camping in the Black Hills with his brother Jack and his family. We remember many trips riding in the back of the van wondering if Uncle Jack was lost and of course Dad would play along.
Paul was known and loved by many. One of us would ride with Dad on a quick errand and we would bump into someone he knew and would spend, what felt like HOURS, waiting for him to finish visiting. He genuinely enjoyed talking to friends and strangers.
In 2010, Paul promised Darlene that they would retire to Arizona in two years. They worked hard together and moved to Arizona in 2012. Semi-retirement was an unexpected enjoyment for him. They spent several years together traveling, hosting family, and spending time with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
They would travel to South Dakota every year where Paul would lend a hand with the day-to-day business of Snappy Delivery. Paul and Darlene were married for 53 years.
After Darlene's passing, Paul found enjoyment with his family, annual visits with his sisters, brothers, sister and brothers-in-laws. He developed a loving relationship with Phyllis "Maureen" Edwards, a former classmate, until her passing in May 2020.
During the recent pandemic, Paul spent his quarantine time cleaning out his shed, garage, saying the rosary and walking to the mailbox. In May, he decided he wanted a Fitbit so he could start tracking his steps. He started at 5,000 steps and built up to 18,000 steps a day by August. He was able to lose 20 lbs and reduce his need to use insulin. He had a friendly competition going with his brother Donny to see who could walk the most steps each day. We believe that Dad won!
Paul turned Snappy Delivery over to his son Randy in 2012 when he "retired". He was very happy knowing that Snappy Delivery will continue to be run by a "Ward" not only the third generation, but the fourth generation with the involvement of Randy's son, Jonathon.
Dad spent the last days of his life at home surrounded by family and friends.
He is survived by his 6 children, his 11 grandchildren, his 3 great grandchildren, his siblings and their spouses, his sister-in-law and many wonderful nieces and nephews, and many amazing family cats and dogs.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene Ward; his mother, Mary Ward; his father, Clare Ward; sister, Peggy Ward; mother-in-law, Margaret New; father-in-law, Arthur New; son-in-law, Lealon Spaulding; sister-in-law, Penny New; brother-in-law, Donald New; sister-in-law, Velma Ward; and niece Clara Finn.
Service will be held on Saturday, October 31st 10:00am at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church 304 N Euclid Ave, Pierre, SD 57501.
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