Darryl Ray Ward was born August 30, 1957, in Hollywood, California, to Delbert Ward and Ora Hopkins. He passed away unexpectedly March 5, 2025, at Purcell, Oklahoma, at the age of 67 years. Darryl worked his way through college in the oil field and eventually received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Southern Nazarene University. After graduating, he found his way to the Federal Bureau of Prisons where he worked as the business manager. Darryl worked hard and was loyal to his career until he retired in 2013. Darryl married Terry Massey January 9, 1976. The two created quite the life together, raising their children: Brent, Chase and Julie. Darryl never missed a chance to tell his kids he was proud of them and how much he loved them. And then came the grandchildren: Channing, Campbell, Tinsley, Chalyn, Grayson and River. Darryl couldn’t have been any happier than with his family. Their time spent together was full of love and lots of smiles and laughs. He loved attending their sporting events and spoiling them with hugs and ice cream.
Darryl was an outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time at their retreat on Lake Texoma. In his younger years, Darryl was an avid runner, completing the Boston Marathon in six-minute splits. Darryl was a jack of all trades and could fix almost anything. He was often called upon by his friends and family to help dig a ditch, cut down a tree or remodel a house. It was never done fast, but it was always done right! He always helped with a smile and never wanted anything in return. Darryl was also an avid OU fan and Sooner football season ticket holder. He loved to talk with friends and family about how the Sooners would be better next year.
Darryl will be remembered as a devoted son and a loving husband, father and grandfather. In all things he put Christ first; he lived a life devoted to Jesus and taught his family to love the same. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Darryl is survived by his loving wife, Terry Ward, of the home; mother, Ora Brahic, of Maysville, Oklahoma; sons, Brent Ward and Laura of Burleson, Texas, and Chase Ward and Taylor of Bridge Creek, Oklahoma; daughter, Julie Brungardt of Granbury, Texas; brothers, Perry Ward and Kathy of Kingston, Oklahoma, Lonnie Ward and Ann of Kingston, Oklahoma, and Randall Brahic and Patricia of Maysville, Oklahoma; sister, Laura McCurtain and Stanley of Maysville, Oklahoma; grandchildren: Campbell, Channing, Chalyn, Tinsley, Grayson and River; and countless friends and other family members.
Darryl is preceded in death by his father, Delbert Ward. Friends and family visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m., Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Winans Funeral Home Chapel in Maysville, Oklahoma.
Graveside Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m, Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Maysville Cemetery. Burial is under the direction of John W. Williams of Winans Funeral Home in Maysville, Oklahoma. Words of comfort may be sent to the family at winansfuneralhome.com.
