Neil Ward
May 19, 1957 – April 6, 2025
Neil Ward, a lifelong resident of Riverton, Wyoming, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, April 6, 2025, at the age of 67. Fittingly, it was the first Sunday in April—the same first Sunday in April his father, Al Ward, passed in 2018.
Neil was born May 19, 1957, in Pampa, Texas, to Alvin “Al” Franklin Ward and Patricia “Pat” (Franklin) Ward. Though born in Texas, Neil celebrated his first birthday as a Riverton resident after the family moved to Wyoming for his father's work in the oilfield. From that point on, Riverton was home.
Neil was married to Connie Albright Romero on July 19, 1982, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together they raised three children and shared a full life until her passing on May 2, 2018.
Neil’s life was shaped by hard work, family, and a deep love for the outdoors. He spent many years working as a driller in the oilfields for companies including Nabors, Exeter, Cyclone, Unit, and True Drilling. Known for his grit and knowledge, he trained and broke out many young hands—including his son, Nathan—passing on the skills and work ethic he was known for. He later worked in reclamation as an equipment operator in the uranium pits, running haul trucks and scrapers. There, he proudly broke out his grandson, Jordan, while working for MK Weeden Construction. Neil also helped with the family business, Ward’s New and Used Iron.
Neil lived life to the fullest. He loved fishing, hunting, camping, boating, and working with wood—often creating things with his hands. He was the proud captain of his sailboat and a full-blooded Harley enthusiast, a true biker through and through. A dedicated family man, he coached his kids’ and grandkids’ baseball teams and never missed a moment to be involved in their lives. Neil will be remembered for his unshakeable work ethic, deep love for his family, and his wild, unforgettable personality.
He was baptized at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Riverton, where he attended as a child.
Neil is survived by his mother, Patricia Ward; his children: Jerri Prejean and her children, Laken Prejean and Jordan (with wife Tennell Whitener and their children, Legend and Royal); Mindi and Shawna Romero and their children, Brodey, Quincie, Samantha, and Conner, along with their ten grandchildren; and Nathan and Amy Ward and his daughter, MacKinzie.
He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Lexi Lou; brothers: Doyle Ward, Byron (Heather) Ward; sisters: Cynthia (LeRoy) Griewahn and Sharon (Dave) Harless; brothers- and sisters-in-law: Ronald (Peggy) Albright, Sandra (Tom) Dyer; step-sister Krystal Noonan; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Al Ward; wife, Connie Ward; parents-in-law, Clifford and Bonnie Albright; granddaughter, Sadie Michelle; and sister-in-law, Tamra Ward.
Neil’s ashes will be buried alongside his beloved wife, Connie, at Mountain View Cemetery in Riverton at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025. A celebration of Neil's life will follow at the Shoshoni Fire Hall. All are welcome to attend and honor this great man.
Neil’s legacy lives on through the family he loved fiercely and the many lives he touched.
Condolences for the Ward family may be made at www.TheDavisFuneralHome.com
Services are under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Crematory and Monuments of Riverton, Wyoming.