Brandon Jack Ward

Brandon Jack Ward, age 37, passed away unexpectedly at his home on November 30, 2021, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Brandon descended from a long line of military men including his maternal grandfather who was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict, Choctaw code talkers, two Kiowa tribal chiefs, great grandfathers who served in World War I, great uncles who served in World War II, cousins who served in the Vietnam Conflict, and so many others. Brandon was born September 2, 1984, and grew up in Yukon, Oklahoma, where he participated in band and the gifted education programs. Brandon was blessed with many talents and gifts; there was nothing he couldn't do.

He joined the U. S. Army shortly after graduating high school in 2002. He entered as a Special Forces recruit and completed his basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia. After completion of his initial training Brandon was assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he was attached to the 82nd Airborne and later was attached to the 238th Cavalry at Fort Hood, Texas. He was a proud Infantryman, Army Ranger, and Jump Master. He completed every optional training to ensure his skills were the best possible. Brandon turned 21 in a war zone and completed three tours in Iraq and one tour in Afghanistan as well as other undisclosed assignments. He was an E6 Staff Sergeant when he exited from active duty. During his 10 years in the U.S. Army, Brandon's numerous personal awards included: the Bronze Star Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with four Campaign Stars, Army Commendation Medal (second award), Army Achievement Medal (second award), Valorous Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (third award), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Global Ward on Terrorism Service Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (second award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (third award), NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge, and Expert Marksmanship Badge with Carbine Bar.

Brandon was a lifelong learner and completed college courses related to physics, computer science, mathematics, and much more at several colleges and universities in Texas including UT Dallas, and in Oklahoma including Oklahoma State University. He tirelessly researched social issues such as human trafficking, governmental operations/injustices, COVID-19, and alternative power options in his desire to better this country and the world. His knowledge was vast and profound.

He was a strong and brave man who stayed devoted to physical fitness and battle readiness throughout his life. He loved his family and friends but he especially loved dogs. All dogs, no matter what, received love from Brandon. He made both dogs and people feel safer in his presence.

Brandon came to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior in recent years. This profoundly changed his life in many positive ways. Still, like so many veterans of the OEF/OIF conflict, he struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and the effects of multiple brain injuries that were a direct result of his time in Service. He is in heaven now with his beloved dog Princess, but we who are left behind are forever heartbroken.

Brandon was preceded in death by his aunt Karen Kershaw, maternal grandparents Jack E. and Jewell Ward, great aunt Diana Waren, paternal grandfather Larry BigBow, as well as numerous military friends/comrades.

He is survived by his mother Suzan Ward, twin brother Grant Ward, adopted family Pedro J. Solis and Cynthia Valadez-Mata Jr., cousins Sommar Ragsdale and Joshua Ward, second cousins Devon Waren and Connor Waren, great uncle and U.S. Marine veteran Ken Waren, third cousin and Air Force veteran Ron Blanton, maternal uncle Mark Ward, father Woody BigBow, paternal grandmother Jean BigBow, paternal aunt Dereth Lanius, his extended family of friends and military comrades, and numerous other relatives.

Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt's Funeral Service & Cremation Care in Tulsa, OK. Family and friends may leave kind words of comfort, special memories and condolences to the family online at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com