Gordon Kay Ward

May 30, 1946 — September 20, 2024

Manteca 

Manteca resident Gordon “Gordy” Kay Ward, 78, died on September 20, 2024.

Gordon, was the youngest child of David Leon and Ada Ward, was born in Modesto, CA on May 30, 1946.  He attended schools in Manteca and graduated from Manteca High School. He loved to tinker with motors from motorcycles to cars. 

He also learned to play the trombone, and as a freshman in high school was privileged to play in the marching band in the Rose Parade. Later, he learned the trade of his father and followed him into the tire business.  During the years of the Vietnam War, he was able to serve when he joined the Army National Guard where he served actively until he was discharged. 

Gordon, served a mission for his church in the Gulf States area at the time. He and Rae Dell Gee whom he met at youth gathering, began dating and were married on May 17, 1969 in Oakland. He started a home for his young family in Manteca after establishing roots in the tire business with his father and brother. He was fortunate some years later to provide a bigger home for his growing family. His children, of which he was pleased to share with everyone he met have always been a big part of his life.  Namely they are: Richard, Kaydell, Brent, Raeleen, Samuel, Russell, Desirae and Devin. 

He and his brother would soon join forces and take over the tire business as their father transitioned into retirement. Together they ran and operated OK Tire in Manteca until 1987  upon which he sold his portion to his older brother. He next transitioned into working as a mechanic for a few different establishments in Jackson and Ione, CA. Later, in 1991 he began working for SSI as a forklift driver until his retirement in 2011. After retirement, he and his son-in-law decided to start a hardwood refinishing franchise which they ran together for a few years. Finally, he decided to fully retire in about 2015.

His love for music continued on as we would often play country music to church music in the  house. Often, you would hear the church music playing upon waking on a Sunday morning. He loved music so much that he and his wife would often join the church choir and had many opportunities to share his talents with others. 

After retirement, Gordon and his wife traveled as often as time would allow to visit his kids and grandkids to their various locations. He has been a lifelong member of his church and has held several positions where he was able to continue to serve and help people in Manteca, CA. He enjoyed working on cars, taking grandchildren on lawn tractor rides,  photography, playing solitaire, watching westerns, listening to country and church music. At one point, he attended San Joaquin Delta College in the evening classes to see if he could entertain the possibility of going into computer science. After attending a few classes, he knew his heart was into mechanics. 

He was a devoted father and grandfather who took great pride and joy in his family. 

Gordon, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, was a life-long member. He has served in many church capacities over the years, including Elder’s quorum president, Sunday school teacher, Primary teacher, Youth leader/teacher and choir member. 

Surviving Gordon are his wife, Rae Dell Ward, sons: Richard, Brent, Samuel, Russell and daughters: Kaydell (Muniz), Raeleen (Russell), Desirae (Burgin) and brother Cyril Ward. 

He also is survived by twenty-seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Devin, his parents, his sister and brother. 

A celebration of Gordon's life will be held on Friday October 4, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 6060 Northland Road, with viewing at 9 a.m. and the funeral at 10 a.m. 

Arrangements by Eaton Family Funeral-Cremation.

Flowers may be sent directly to the 6060 Northland Road Chapel on the day of the funeral.