Ward Whitman, 81, of Big Piney, Wyo., died at his home Feb. 28, 2023. Ward was born October 7, 1941 in Kemmerer, Wyo., to Bruce and Frances (Davidson) Whitman. He was the third of eight children in the Whitman Family. He spent his youth ranching and cowboying in Big Piney and graduated from Big Piney High School.
After high school he married Robin Knipp and together they raised their family in Pavillion, Wyo; they were later divorced.
He then married Betty Jean (Von Bieker) Whitman in 1985. Together, they moved and settled in Jackson in 1986, where Ward started and managed a trail riding business, W.W. Guides. He loved his work, being outdoors, riding horses and working horse teams; he was blessed to be able to do what he loved.
Ward is survived by his children, Eric Whitman, Heather McCue, Holly Lassiter, Grant Whitman, Gail Whitman, Gary (Alena) Naab, Greg (Dayna) Naab and Christina Codneys and sisters Charlotte Bartlett, Marcy Thompson, Phyllis (Fred) Smith and Laurel Corlett.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean Whitman, and his brothers Nelson, Boyd and Charles Whitman.
A graveside funeral service will be held Monday, March 6, at 1 p.m. at the Viola Cemetery outside of LaBarge. A reception and celebration of life will follow at the Marbleton Senior Center at 2 p.m. If you’re not able to make the graveside service please feel free to attend the reception.