Ward Deon Curtis

Ward Deon Curtis, 79, of Sandy, Utah, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 17, 2021. Ward was born on September 12, 1941 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Nolan and Mazel Curtis. The family soon settled in Green River, Utah near many extended family members. Ward loved and considered Green River his home. He worked on the family farm and at the family-owned businesses as a young man. He graduated from Green River High with a class less than 10 people. Ward took pride in his small-town roots where he learned to work hard and to appreciate the outdoors.

Ward attended Utah State University where he graduated with a degree in Education and English. He married Karen Dobler in 1964 and together they had two children, Courtney and Kimberly. In 1987 Ward married Karen Ballard Oldroyd and gained two additional children, Kristin and Dan.

After graduating from college, Ward first worked as a high school teacher and coach. He taught English and math and coached basketball, baseball, and football at Moab High. He took his teams to state championships in baseball (1972) and basketball (1973). During the summers, Ward led runs down the Colorado River. After leaving teaching, Ward became an insurance agent and ran a successful agency for many years.

Ward loved sports and was an avid golfer. He was known for having the "longest drive" and was an active member at Alpine Country Club for many years. Ward was an excellent athlete, and his wife said she married him because he was such a great dancer. Ward was a good friend and a dependable father and grandfather. He loved his family.

Ward is survived by his wife, Karen Ballard Oldroyd; his children Courtney (Michelle), Kimberly, Kristin (Jim), and Dan (Melanie); siblings Kenneth, Deanna, Lowell, Monte, and Debbie; twelve grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nolan and Mazel Curtis, and his sister Marsha.

A graveside memorial service will be held in Green River, Utah on February 27, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.