Clopton R. Ward 1925 - 2012

Clopton R. Ward, passed away on Feb. 7, 2012. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and coach. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 63 years, Francis (Miranda) Ward, his son Dennis (Sheila) Ward, his three grandsons; Rodney (Becky) Ward, Trevor (Amber) Ward and Steven (Crystal) Ward. Clopton Is further survived by seven great-grandchildren: Kalee, Rodney, Gabriel, Landon, T.J., Cienna and Asher, all of whom he loved so deeply. He was preceded in death by his bothers John and Albert Ward.

He was a life long resident of Willcox, Ariz.; born on May 24, 1925. He worked as a cowpuncher on a local ranch prior to lying about his age in order to join the U.S. Army to fight in World War II at the age of 16. Clopton was assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division as a paratrooper, and fought in five major campaigns, such as Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. On June 16, 1944 he was wounded in Normandy and 30 days later was back with his platoon to finish his tour of duty. Clopton was Honorably discharged Oct. 7, 1945, receiving several medals for his contribution and sacrifice in the war, to include the fourth-highest combat award offered by the U.S. Armed Forces, the Bronze Star. Although extremely private about the details of his efforts in the war and humble in the honors received, to say he was proud to have served his country would be a gross understatement. Next to God and family, he loved the land of the free and the home of the brave more than words could ever express.

   His love for family was further exhibited in his passion for coaching his son and grandsons in baseball, which ultimately led to coaching countless youth in Willcox. His coaching reigned over four decades, transferring his knowledge of the game to the likes of Wilcox Lumber, Rotary and the White Sox Little League teams.   Some of the most memorable moments in baseball involved Clopton's relentless pursuit for the right call by all who dared to umpire the game; comments such as "Geee-mon-nee Let 'em play ball" or "Come on Zebra you must be blind" or "Awww you turkeys" come to mind. Clopton's voice will forever echo in the heads of those who shared these moments with him around the baseball diamond.
   Clopton had many hobbies, but he loved the game of golf and carried a handicap of 12 until the age of 75. His passion for the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping has been passed on in full force to even the youngest of the Ward family. He loved Mexican and country western music and it wasn't uncommon to hear him yodel or whistle a favorite tune for the grandkids.

Clopton can easily be described as a man of principle as he never hesitated to tell it like he saw it and you always knew where you stood with him. He was forthright, honest, patient, caring and loving and was best described by those closest to him when they were asked to describe him in a word or a phrase... "Always there." Dennis Ward; "He's the only father I've known." Sheila Ward; "Firm with a butter heart." Rodney Ward; "A rock/fortitude" Trevor Ward; "A life teacher who taught me patience." Steven Ward; "He treated me as one of the family from day one." Becky Ward; "l knew him longer than I knew my own grandfather... he was my grandfather." Crystal Ward; "He was always concerned about everybody else but himself, even to his last day." Amber Ward.

And in the words of an attending nurse at the VA hospital, "They just don't make them like this anymore." Clopton may the Lord bless you and may you rest in peace.

Rosary was held at Westlawn Chapel Monday, Feb. 13, 2012 at 7 p.m. Mass at Sacred Heart Church Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012 at 10 a.m. with the procession following the mass to the Willcox Cemetery."