“The Racing Cowboy”
Walt was born on February 22, 1951, as the only child to Opal and Cody Ogden of Modesto, CA. He lived all of his life right here within Stanislaus County and ending the last 26 years in Oakdale where his large cowboy hat felt right at home.
In his early years he worked the ranches of the Salida area, with his father. Hauling hay and installing irrigation equipment and in ground concrete pipeline. While attending MJC Walt studied his two passions, Automotive and Mechanical engineering. Straight from college Walt put in a short stint with Griswold and Wright Ford.
During this time, he married his high school sweetheart “Jane” McCorkle. Walt always looked upon her as his angel from heaven. They were happily married for 54 years. Together they decided Walt should temporarily try concrete construction. So, he went to work for Brizendine Concrete where he did concrete for subdivisions and irrigation pipeline and Boxes. Well, that led to a short stint lasting 27 years. With the name change to 7/11 Materials and left as the General construction manager. It was again at this point they decided that he wanted to try something different and went to work for a friend as construction manager for Hedgecock Paving Inc., where he remained until retirement years later.
Walt loved the many activities involving his family and friends. He loved deer hunting and being in the open outdoors. In the ‘70s his enjoyment came from racing stock cars at many local tracks including Stockton 99 Speedway. Where his efforts provided him with two track championships, as well as one state title in the NASCAR Hobby Stock Division. His next love was in the American dream, where he and Jane owned many classic cars, Corvettes which led to him being president for a while in the Central California Corvette Club as well as members for 25 years. He also loved the Harley Davidson Motorcycles. Which he made his to look like a Bull.
Walt and Jane and daughter Olivia all raced their corvettes in the Western States Corvette Counsels autocross division, racking up numerous championships. Later they all changed over to riding the Harley motorcycles where they rode thousands of miles enjoying the sights and people along their journey.
Walt is survived by his sweet wife of 54 years Mrs. Sylvia Jane Ogden. His son James E. Ogden, his daughter-in-law Trisha Robinson and dear to his heart, his two grandsons, Liam and Colin Ogden all of Tracy. Also, he is survived by his sidekick daughter Miss Olivia C. Ogden of Ceres. There were many he called friends and a few he looked upon as brothers.
Celebration of Life will be December 28, 2025 at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Oakdale Saddle Club, at Oakdale rodeo grounds, 1624 East F Street Oakdale, CA. A lunch will be served. Please RSVP at sjogden24@comcast.net.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
Dec. 10, 2025
