William (Bill) Douglas Warde
Bill Warde was born on February 9, 1943. He attended the UK Royal Air Force schools and the University of London, earning a bachelor’s degree in statistics in 1965. He continued his education, earning a master’s in statistics from Florida State University in 1968 and a PhD in applied statistics from Iowa State University in 1972. Soon after, he joined the faculty of the statistics department at Oklahoma State University, where he continued for 38 years.
At OSU, Warde rose in the ranks, serving as head of the department between 1998 and 2008. He also served as chair of the faculty council. Warde was popular with master’s and PhD students across campus, especially with those who needed statistics consulting help.
He taught and conducted research in survey sampling and spent a sabbatical at the U.S. Census Bureau in Washington, DC, in 1986.
Warde’s lifelong passion was the Boy Scouts. He served with the UK and U.S. organizations for 59 years and rose through the ranks to Cimarron Council Commissioner. In addition, he was Cubmaster of Pack 3801 and committee member of Troop 828.
Warde was a leader for honor societies on campus, including Sigma Xi and Phi Kappa Phi. He was also a civic leader, serving on the board of the university and Community Federal Credit Union in Stillwater and with the Rotary Club.
He was an active member of the American Statistical Association and its Oklahoma Chapter. He actively participated on many committees and was a strong supporter of the organization.
Warde and his wife, Mary Jane, raised two sons, Colin and Chris. They have one grandson, Luca. They were also active members of the Perkins Church of Christ.
Warde departed peacefully on August 3 in his sleep, after leading a memorable life. He will be missed by all those who loved him or had come to know and/or work with him.
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