Ned Lee Kygar, Sr

Ned Lee Kygar was born in Vici, Oklahoma on November 14, 1941 to Andrew Clint and Dorothy (Brooks) Kygar. Most of his younger years were spent in and around the Vici area with the exception of the time around the age of 14 when he and a friend hitchhiked to New Mexico to work. Ned was soon back in Vici. Ned attended the Vici school, periodically, through the 10th grade.

Ned's interest seemed to gravitate more toward rodeoing than attending school.

Ned met Eva Darlene Jones at the Vici Cafe where she was waiting tables and they married on February 5, 1959.

Ned worked in the oilfield around Western Oklahoma before he, Darlene and thier three children, Toni, 8-Ball (Ned Jr.), and Sherry moved to Beaver in the early 1960's.

Soon after moving to Beaver, Ned found a vocation that suited him perfectly.  He managed the Beaver Livestock Auction for "Pack" Hibbs and Lloyd Barby until 1979.

One of the benefits of this position was spending time with his children, or should we say his "free labor".  Way too many stories to tell there! Ned was also an order buyer.

Ned continued to rodeo off and on until his last ride at the age of 55, as he boasted. 

Ned worked as an auctioneer for a couple of companies and had the opportunity to travel the world including Canada and Saudi Arabia.  He later started his own auction company, Ned's Auction Service.  He loved to auctioneer, had a gift of gab, and a way of talking buyers into spending their money.

Ned acquired a love for golf and the game brought him many years of fun and happiness. He loved playing with 8-ball, his brothers, and his friends.

Anyone that knew Ned, knew he liked to sing. He sang songs that he made up as well as songs from the radio.  He sang in a band when he was younger and many of you may have heard him sing at local events. He delighted in making up songs using the grandchildren's names and the kiddos loved it.

Most of the people in this area remember "Ned & Darlene's Cafe" where Ned could be found at the head of the "liar's table".  Ned and Darlene had the restaurant for 15 years and made many wonderful memories and friendships.

Ned loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren with a passion.  He delighted in every moment spent with them and they with him.

Ned lived life to the fullest, passing peacefully on June 29, 2022.  He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 sister, Beatrice Heinsohn and a grandson, Zachary Beasley.  He is survived by his wife, Darlene, of the home, 1 son, Ned Jr. (Tammie) Kygar, 2 daughters, Toni (Steve) Bennett, Sherry Kygar (John Geissler), 8 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 7 siblings, and a host of nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

The family requests memorials to the Beaver First Christian Church, the Beaver Senior Center and Families helping Families.