Elmer H. Ward, the first All-American football player for Utah State University, has died of cancer at the age of 83. Ward, who also served as the top civilian administrator at Defense Depot Ogden for more than three decades, died Tuesday at McKay-Dee Hospital.
Ward, of Willard, launched his military and civil service career after a collegiate and professional football career that included a stint with the Detroit Lions NFL championship team.In June 1938, Ward was detailed as an Army reserve construction quartermaster officer for initial planning for Utah General Depot, later renamed Defense Depot Ogden. At the outbreak of World War II, Ward was assigned active duty as chief of organization for construction and establishment of DDO.
He achieved the rank of colonel and after his Army discharge in 1947 resumed his professional government career, eventually becoming executive assistant to the DDO commanders before his retirement in 1972.
Former DDO Commander David Correll recalled Ward as a "pillar of strength." Even after retirement, Ward still helped with advice and assistance in major decisions.
"DDO's well-being was uppermost in his heart," Correll said.
Since his retirement, Ward continued as adviser to commanders. He was pressed into service in 1979 when Congress announced that DDO was a candidate for closure.
He led the delegation to testify in congressional hearings in Washington as representative of the late Gov. Scott Matheson. His work helped keep DDO open at that time, saving 2,000 jobs for northern Utah.
His football career had roots at Box Elder High School, where in 1928 he was team captain as well at student body president. He led the Bees to the state football title before moving to Logan in 1931 as freshman captain at Utah State University.
For the next three years, he was linebacker and also played offensive tackle and center. But it was on defense where the "Bear," as his fans called him, excelled.
In 1934, he was named Utah State's first All-American and was tapped by the Lions. He was one of the key players in the Lions' 26-7 championship victory over the New York Giants in 1935.
Ward was inducted into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame in 1978, Utah State University Hall of Fame in 1993 and Box Elder High School Wall of Fame in 1994. His football jersey number 35 was retired by USU in 1994.
Ward participated in numerous civic endeavors as a Boy Scout council officer, northern Utah United Fund volunteer and director of the Ogden Chamber of Commerce.
Since retirement, Ward has operated his 70-acre farm and orchard in south Willard.
He is survived by his wife, Venette Ward; daughter Sharon Hunsaker of Logan; son Stephen Ward of Centerville; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements were pending.