Donald Ray Ward

Donald Ray Ward was born November 24th 1934, in Sallisaw Oklahoma.

He resided there until he was 14 years old when his family moved to Bakersfield, California. He received most of his education there, until he left to go to San Francisco to finish his education at Sacred hearts, and then to the University of Berkley where he received his degree.

He moved back to Bakersfield where he met his mate for life, Vagola Nelson. They were married in Carson City, Nevada on January 1, 1956. They enjoyed a beautiful life together and were married for 70 years and never stopped loving each other. Even at 91 years old he still insisted on taking Vagola’s shoes off for her each evening.

He was an ace at tennis and helped to supplement his income by playing matches. He played baseball as a pitcher for the Industrial League in Denver, Colorado during the 60’s.

Before moving to Colorado he was employed as a manager of an electrical company in Sacramento. After being discovered by a head hunter, he went to work for Appleton Electrical Manufacturing Company. He was later promoted to a regional manager and relocated to Denver, Colorado where he and his wife resided for the next 20 years. Don was always the top salesman and earned the title “The King.” He retired in 1990 at the age of 56. In 1994 he moved with Vagola to Grand Junction, Colorado where they remained for the rest of his life.

Don and Vagola raised two nieces, Robyn Holliday and Crystal Eskridge who they loved as their own children. Robyn and Crystal’s children became their grandchildren.

Don’s love for horses was unsurpassed, and all of his life he bred, raised, and raced horses. Don seemed to be able to communicate with the horse. He could often diagnosis a horse when even the best vets could not and the local veterinarian would often call on him for help when they were stumped. Don always knew what the problem was. He had an unparalleled knowledge of a horses feet and legs and trainers often came to him for advice.

In later years he continued to care for horses but he began to raise chickens. That is, fighting roosters. His passion for roosters competed with his deep love for horses.

Don passed away on April 23, 2025 at 2:35 in the morning in Grand Junction, Colorado. He was loved by all who met him and was surrounded by loving family and friends in his last hours. He was preceded in death by a son, Rick, his parents, two sisters, and a brother. He leaves to mourn his wife Vagola, brother Jerry, Bobby Brent and Brandy, numerous nieces and nephews, many great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews and a myriad of friends who will miss him dearly. He was a “papa” to everyone and a friend to all. He will be greatly missed.