Jess Ward Daniels

Jess Ward Daniels, a devoted dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at age 85 after just being tucked in by his daughters. He was a man whose life reflected learning, hard work, and love for his family.

Jess was born on October 25, 1940, in Malad City, Idaho to Luther Owens Daniels and Ida Elizabeth Ward. He was the youngest of six children. He lived a happy childhood taking every opportunity to feed cows and ride horses with his grandpa and uncles and give his older siblings mischief. When he was eight years old, he was disappointed when he got a bike for Christmas because he wanted a horse. He bought his first filly when he was 12 years old with his own earned money which started a lifetime of horse training and trading.

Jess often tended his nephews and remained close to them and his nieces throughout the years. In high school he loved fast flashy cars. His first car was a yellow ’51 Chevy Hardtop that he painted blue. It was voted the best-looking car in high school his junior year. He also enjoyed showing steers in the 4-H/FFA and being the Dragon mascot.

Jess graduated from Malad High School in 1959 and married Della Beth McAllister on March 11, 1960. From this union came three children: Gwen M., Jona Lou, and Jess M. They later divorced but remained friends. Jess spent many years on the ranches in Wyoming, Colorado, and Snowville, Utah where he enjoyed being a cowboy. He also worked for a total of 32 years at Thiokol, 5 on the minute man and 27 helping to further the space shuttle program.

Jess loved reading any good western or church book, square dancing, riding horses, working cattle, and collecting guns and pretty headstalls and reins. His favorite movie stars were John Wayne and Clint Eastwood, and his favorite movie was True Grit.

In more recent years, he worked on his bucket list traveling to Germany, Holland, and France to visit his granddaughter Melissa and her family and then toured Rome, Italy with his daughter Gwen for the temple dedication. He loved hearing about his son Jess’ team roping and was thrilled to hear about more of his winnings just a couple days before his passing. He was a best buddy to his grandkids and especially loved spending time with them on horses. He enjoyed helping his grandson Justin with tractor work and working cattle as well as working cattle out to Snowville with his son and friends. He never tired of watching all his cute great grandkids, and they always made him smile!

Dad overcame a lot in his lifetime and was a good example of staying true to what he knew in later years. His advice to his posterity or anyone was to not be afraid of missing out on fun because of drinking. “You can have just as much fun without it!”

Jess was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served as a Boy Scout leader, Assistant Ward Clerk, and Elders Quorum Teacher. He also enjoyed being a home teacher and serving in the temple as a custodian.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Daniel M. Daniels and Kathryn Owens Daniels, Jesse Nicholas Ward and Julia Ann Moon Ward, parents Luther and Ida, and siblings Eldon Ward (Lois), Lola Evans (John V), AnnaLou (Annie) Jones (Royce), Kathleen (Kay) Williams (Wayne), and Daniel (Dan) Daniels (Betty). He is survived by his three children; Gwen Johnson (Pat), Jona Barfuss (Chris), and Jess M (Shari), 11 grandchildren, and 39 great grandchildren who will miss him LOTS! We know there is a big, happy, noisy reunion going on as he had so many cherished family members waiting and watching for him.

Special thanks to Dr. Jeff Lish who saw Dad to the end and was a trusted friend. Thanks to Dad’s other countless friends and ward members who encouraged him through his journey and accepted him for who he was.

Funeral Services for Jess will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, with visitation 9:00-10:45 am and the funeral at 11 am at Tremonton 3rd Ward Church, 9590 North 6800 West, Tremonton, UT 84337. There will be Cowboy’s Last Ride ceremony at the Malad City Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed and can be accessed below.

DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT PAN THE CROWD AND THE CAMERA IS FIXED UPON THE PULPIT. WE WILL TRY AND LIVESTREAM THE FUNERAL SERVICE. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO DO SO, DUE TO THE INTERNET SERVICE AT THE CHURCH, A RECORDING WILL BE UPLOADED WITHIN 24-48 HOURS AFTER THE SERVICE.