Don W. Droud Sr. age 83 of Lincoln passed away August 29, 2022.  He was born January 6, 1939 in Lincoln to Dallas W. and Nadine (Campbell) Droud.

Without a doubt, racing was the passion of Don’s life.  Spanning a 64-year career, that started in motorcycles and ended at the age of 82 in a vintage sprint car, he raced all over the United States.  While always seeking to take home the trophy, what seemed most important was the relationships and the enjoyment he got from the teams he’d assemble.  Many different people were a part of his journey and most everyone of them turned into life-long friends, whom he cherished very much.

But racing wasn’t just part of him, it became a family affair as well.  Whether he was promoting races, competing himself, or acting as an owner and mechanic, Don’s love of the sport involved everyone in his immediate family.  Three sons raced (as did his son-in-law), his daughters worked at the racetrack, and his wife was involved in the day-to-day proceedings at Midwest Speedway and beyond.  Not surprising, his legacy continued onto the next generation and will most likely continue for years to come.

For all the skill he acquired working on racing machines, one thing he loved to do was tell tales.  From riding a motorcycle through the Lincoln High hallways when he was a student, to the infamous “Land Stories,” he would tell ‘em to anyone who would listen.  He was known for “PRing” the moment he pulled into the racetrack, seeking out the young ones to offer advice and reminiscing with the veterans about the “good old days.” Somehow, he knew just the right number of details (especially when it came to directions) to keep the listener engaged and, many times, asking for more.

For all that he did and was involved in, Don was probably best known for having a servant heart.  He combined the characteristics of determination, being able to fix just about anything, and the love of people, to step in at just the right moment for a person in need.   It didn’t matter if it was tinkering on a carburetor, painting a truck, hauling scrap metal, or doing body work on an old car, he was always available, guaranteeing to give the best of himself until the job was done.  He embraced everyone of those opportunities to make sure his friends and family were well taken care of when they needed him most, usually taking nothing in return. Except, that is, the time to tell one more story before he left.

Don is survived by his wife, Suzie, and children, Cindy & (Bob) Laws, Don Jr. & (Jane), Rodney & (Lori), Jon & (Lisa), Monica & (Mark) Lyon, and Dawnie Schwindt & (Scott Brown), as well as 22 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren and his younger sister, Karen (Marty) Huegel.  He was preceded in death by Dallas (dad), Nadine (mother) and Vernon (stepfather), Robin (daughter), Dominic (grandson), McKenzie and Nova (great-granddaughters).

Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, September 2, 2022 at Wyuka Funeral Home.  To watch the service via Live Stream click HERE.

Visitation from Noon until 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 1, 2022 with family greeting friends from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home.

Private family interment Wyuka Cemetery.

Memorials in lieu of flowers to the family for a later designation.

Please join the family for a reception at Speedway Motors, 340 Victory Ln., from 1:00-3:00 P.M. following the service.