Elbert Evans Ward, 95, died peacefully at his home in Oak View, California on May 2, 2015. He was born February 6, 1920 in Fargo, North Dakota. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Dorothy Dennis Ward, on March 15, 2015.
While having been born in North Dakota, he moved with his family to Downey, California at the age of two. He graduated from Occidental College in 1941 and served with the Marine Corps in the Pacific aboard the USS Bunker Hill.
He and Dorothy were married on June 13, 1942, and raised five children: David, Dennis, Mark, Geoffrey and Sarah. In addition, he is survived by 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Evans lived most of his adult life in Palos Verdes, Fillmore and Oak View, California. After a brief career in public school business administration, he moved his family to Fillmore in the late 1950’s where he took up growing citrus and avocados, an endeavor he continued until his retirement. A sincere follower of Christ, Evans was very active in the Presbyterian Church including singing in the choir and serving as elder. He also served on the Fillmore school board and was an active member of the Lion’s Club.
Evans was much loved and appreciated by family and friends alike and will be greatly missed! A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2015 at 10:00 AM at the Ojai Presbyterian Church, located at 304 Foothill Road, in Ojai, California.