Ward Topham Middleton

Ward T. Middleton 1928–2008 Ward Topham Middleton left his loving family to return to his heavenly home on Sunday, December 28, after his courageous, two-year battle with cancer—culminating a lifetime of service and devotion to his family, his Church, and his country. He was born in Cedar City, Utah, on February 2, 1928, to John W. and Ina Topham Middleton. Three years later his younger sister, Zona, completed the family. Ward graduated from Cedar High School, then attended B.A.C. (now SUU) where he was on the football team, played trombone in the band, and was active in the Gamma Psi fraternity and campus activities. And most importantly, he met and fell in love with Yvonne (Bonnie) Nelson! Ward and Bonnie were married on May 5, 1951; their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. For 57 ½ years, they lovingly shared the joys and challenges of life. Ward joined the Air Force and proudly served his country during the Korean War. After his release from the military, he completed his education, earning a bachelor’s degree at the University of Utah. The Middletons moved to Centerville in 1954. Ward was a hard worker and a talented craftsman; with the help of his father, John, he built their new home in 1960. Ward later served as a Centerville City councilman. In 1966 the couple was elated to welcome their son, Michael Ward, into their hearts and home. Ward was a gifted and memorable teacher. For 29 years he enriched the lives of thousands of students at Bountiful Junior High while teaching history, geography, science, student government, and (perhaps most courageously) drivers’ education. He was well-known for his fun sense of humor and quick wit, as well as his integrity, dependability, commitment, and example. Among his favorite activities were vacationing with the family, being a true-blue BYU fan, golfing, fishing, reading, and anything to do with his lifelong love of airplanes. Family and church always came first for Ward. Along with helping to build the Centerville Stake Center, he held various LDS Church callings including serving with Bonnie in the Bountiful Temple. Ward cherished his wife, Bonnie; his son, Michael; and his daughter-in-law, Laura. And he had a special love for his grandchildren—Katie, Lindsey, and Carter Ward. He was a proud and doting Grampa! The last Fast Sunday that Ward was able to attend church, he was the first to stand and testify of the truthfulness of the Restored Gospel and of Jesus Christ as our Savior and Redeemer. His optimism and testimony enabled him to be hopeful, loving, and valiant to the end of his time in mortality. Ward blessed us with his love, his strength, his courage, and his endurance. We love him eternally and will miss him dearly until we are reunited again. The family expresses sincere thanks and gratitude to neighbors and members of the 8th Ward for their compassionate service and loving care, as well as appreciation to the doctors and medical personnel of Utah Cancer Specialists and Lakeview Hospital who cared for Ward. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2009, in the Centerville Canyon View Stake Center, 2110 N. Main. Friends may call at Lindquist Bountiful Mortuary, 727 N. 400 E., on Sunday, January 4, from 6-8 p.m. or at the stake center on Monday, from 11:30 -12:30, prior to the funeral. Interment will be at the Centerville City Cemetery with military honors conducted by the United States Air Force. Condolences may be shared at www.lindquistmortuary.com