Randall Ward

Randall Lee Ward, 67, of Ogallala, passed away at his home on August 25, 2022. Randy was born September 27, 1954, in Akron, Colorado, to Alfred Junior Ward and Oleta Rorrick Ward. He graduated from Akron high school before attending Colorado State University in Fort Collins, earning a Bachelor's degree in farm and ranch management.

Following university, Randy worked at the family farm, ranch and feedlot, near Akron. Randy eventually took over the family oil company, Alfred Ward and Son, where he drove advancement and built the company substantially.

As successful as Randy was in business, he had a great love for cars and racing. Randy had been involved in the dirt track racing circuit for decades and made friends (including Jay Leno) all across the United States, sponsoring, racing, fixing, collecting and enjoying cars.

Despite his business success, Randy was not pretentious. He loved to spend time with people and treated everyone the same.

Randy had earned his pilot's license for both planes and helicopters. He loved anything that could go fast, from cars, boats, jet skis, to motorcycles. He enjoyed water sports, traveling, bicycling, technology, mechanics, and photography.

Randy was a longtime member and supporter of Rotary International.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Jr. and Oleta along with his nephew, Troy Ward.

Survivors include his children, Cassandra Ward of Fort Collins, CO, and Derek Randall Ward of Fort Collins, CO; grandchild, Ian Randall Ward; brother, Alfred M. Ward and his wife, Jo Ward; niece, Madelyn Poling, and niece Christie Ward Klos and her husband, Mike Klos. Randy was amicably separated, but not yet divorced, from his wife of 36 years, Ellen Poling Ward. He leaves behind his beloved current partner, Vicki Smith of North Platte, NE. Randy also had many dear friends in the dirt track racing community, he was passionate about this community and they gave him great joy.

A memorial has been established in Randy's memory for later designation. It is intended that funds will be split between the Rotary Foundation and supporting dirt track racing. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com. The services will be streamed live at
methodistchurchogallala.com.

Services will be held on Friday, September 2, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the Ogallala United Methodist Church, with Pastor Curtis Magelky officiating. Racing or car shirts are encouraged. Interment will be in the Akron Cemetery at 24784 County Road 41, Akron, CO.

Memorial book signing will be on Thursday, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.