December 4, 2012:  With sad hearts we regret to inform our members of the passing of our friend and colleague, John Ward.  John joined The Poultry Federation in 2002 and has served as Vice President/Director of the Oklahoma operations until his passing.

“John was an advocate for the industry and was a successful voice for the poultry industry in the Oklahoma General Assembly, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Oklahoma Department of Environment, and many other agencies and advocate groups, stated Marvin Childers, TPF President.  “John’s knowledge of the issues and the personal relationships he developed were an asset to The Poultry Federation and he will be sorely missed by our members and the industry.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gayle and the family.”

Family and friends are invited to Life Church, 4600 East 2ndStreet, Edmond, Oklahoma (I-35 and HW 66)on Friday, December 7, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. for a memorial service. A reception will follow at the Association of County Commissioners of Oklahoma, 429 N.E. 50th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  In lieu of flowers, John’s family requests that donations be made in his memory to the GIST Cancer Research Fund online at http:www.gistinfo.org/donate or by mail to: GIST Cancer Research Fund 55 Saw Mill Road New City, NY 10956.

John H. Ward was vice president of The Poultry Federation and director of the Oklahoma operations in Oklahoma City.  He had been with the Federation since 2002.  

Ward was born and raised in Oklahoma, graduated (class of 1966) from Will Rogers High school in Tulsa.  He attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater and received a Bachelors Degree from Northeastern State University.  Ward was an All-American in football and wrestling while at OSU.  After college he played seven years in the National Football League (NFL): six years with the Minnesota Vikings and a year with the Chicago Bears.

Ward lived in Delaware County, Oklahoma for twenty years.  He ran a cow/calf herd on the farm, and managed a farm and ranch retail store for several years.  He was elected and served as a county commissioner and school board member.  Prior to TPF, he was the executive director for the Association of County Commissioners of Oklahoma (ACCO).

Ward was an Eagle Scout and enjoyed fishing, gardening, and artwork.  He and his wife Gayle have 7 children – college age and above.