Les Ward
Les Ward Obituary
The Les Ward Family of Cripple Creek, Colorado announces the passing of beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and uncle. Leslie William Ward (affectionately known as Sonny or Les) passed away on April 13th. He was 81 years old. Except for his military service, he was a life-long resident of Cripple Creek.
Les was born on April 10, 1938 in Cripple Creek, Colorado to Leslie James Ward and Evelyn Mae (Sythoff) Ward (deceased) and is also preceded in death by brother Butch Ward. He is survived by beloved wife of 53 years Betty Ward, sister Winona (Nonie) Snare of Florissant, Colorado; daughters Sharon Twombly, Terri Verfurth, and Des Damonna Richter of Texas; sons Ronald Ward of Texas, Allen Ward of Florida, and Kenneth Ward of Cripple Creek. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.
Les graduated from Cripple Creek-Victor High School in 1956. He participated in many activities including Drama (Thespians), and Band (Drum Major). He was named “outstanding athlete” in 1956 as a member of the football, baseball, and basketball teams. After graduation, Les experienced life in a variety of occupations and activities, and finally enlisted into the United States Air Force on February 1959.
Les was a United States Air Force Veteran with over 20 years of military service. He was a member of the USAF Security Service and participated in combat operations in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam Conflict. His decorations, over his career, included the The Distinguished Flying Cross, The Air Medal with oak leaf cluster, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. He retired from military service in 1979 and remained in San Angelo. In 1991, Les, Betty and Kenneth returned to Cripple Creek.
We will honor and celebrate his life at the Rocky Mountain Chapel, April 27th, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Steve Cross and Reverend Nolan Tobias will be officiating. Interment will follow at the Mount Pisgah Cemetery, Cripple Creek, Colorado, to include the presentation of Colors. Pall bearers are sons Ronald Ward, Allen Ward, Kenneth Ward and grandsons Justin Verfurth, Ricky Lee Twombly, and Zachary Ward.
The family would like to thank the staff of Cripple Creek Care Center for their wonderful care and kindness that they showed Les during his stay. We would also like to thank all the paramedics/fire departments that showed up at Les’s time of need. Words cannot express our gratitude enough, but “Thank You.”
Les’s Family asks friends to join them at the Rocky Mountain Chapel, Fellowship Hall for food and celebration after graveside services.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Les Ward, please visit our floral store.
