Lloyd Darwin “Chicken Hawk” Ward

Lloyd Darwin “Chicken Hawk” Ward, 82, of Gonzales went to his Lord and Savior Saturday, November 26, 2022. Darwin was born July 11, 1940 in Clovis, NM to Lloyd T. Ward and Beulah Ball Ward. He married Susan Kay Low on April 15, 1978 in Valley Mills, TX. He was a member of Eastside Baptist Church and a 50-year member of Iredell, TX Masonic Lodge # 405 AF&AM. 

Darwin was raised in Portales, NM where he worked on a New Mexico ranch for 15 years. He bought a tractor trailer and hauled lumber and then starting hauling cattle. He continued working as an independent truck driver and hauling cattle until 2002 when he retired. After years of driving a big rig, Darwin had driven over 3 million miles. Considering the moon is 238,855 miles from earth, Darwin had driven that distance several times with return trips. 

Darwin enjoyed rodeos and especially bull riding events.  He was an awesome storyteller and enjoyed sharing many good jokes.  He was a very hard-working man and could generally fix most anything. He loved to tinker and keep himself busy. But when it was time to come to the table to eat, he was cleaned up, hair combed nice and ready to receive his meal as a gentleman. He enjoyed attending Sunday worship services and loved to listen to country gospel songs and old country music. But there was nothing more exciting for Darwin than proudly watching his grandsons play baseball and football.

Darwin is survived by his adoring wife of 44 years, Susan K Ward of Gonzales, daughter, Julie McLain (James) of Earth, sons, Jimmy Dale Ward (Patsy) of Elida, NM, Kennon Lee DuBose (Tamra) and Greg DuBose all of Gonzales, sister, Beverley Bryant (Joe Mike) of Portales, NM, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Billy Bob and JoAnn Low of Gonzales, grandchildren, Logan McLain and friend Beth, Orrin McLain (Darcy), Ethan McLain, Jesse Ward (Michelle), Lindsey White (Cody), Dakota DuBose, and Brandon DuBose, and 9 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Martha King and brother-in-law, Aubrey King and brother, Garry Ward. 

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 pm Wednesday, November 30, 2022 in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home with a funeral service being held at 2 pm Thursday, December 1, 2022 in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home with Rev, Robert Ramirez officiating. Honorary pallbearers: Dakota DuBose, Brandon DuBose, Logan McLain, Orrin McLain, Ethan McLain, Jesse Ward, Preston Crabb and Payne Crabb. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Eastside Baptist Church Building and Grounds Fund. Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.