Richard WardRichard Ward
Richard Lyle Ward, 64, of Frederick died at 4:31 p.m. Jan. 2, 2011, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.
He was born Dec. 12, 1946, in Beardstown, a son of Leslie A. and Leola J. Erickson Ward. He married Linda Diane Acker on June 15, 1968, in Rushville. She survives.
Also surviving are his father of Rushville; one brother, David A. (and Aleowyn) Ward of Glenview; one daughter-in-law, Stephanie Sodke Ward of Waukegan; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by one son, Michael Lee Ward.
He graduated from Bradley University in 1968 with a bachelor of science degree.
He owned and operated Ward Builders, Inc. for many years and retired as chief engineer at Western Illinois Correction Center in Mount Sterling.
He served in the U.S. Marine Corp. Reserve from June 1, 1969, to Feb. 24, 1975.
He was a member of Rushville First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Schuyler American Legion Post #4.
He was one of the founders of the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Department Auxiliary and served as a deputy under Sheriff DeWayne Bond. He also was a founding member and past secretary/treasurer of Schuyler County Ducks Unlimited Chapter.
Services will be held at noon Friday at Worthington Funeral Home in Rushville with Rev. John Sowers officiating. Burial will follow in Rushville City Cemetery with military services conducted by a detail of U.S. Marine Corp. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, Culbertson Hospital Oncology Department or a scholarship at Rushville-Industry High School in math and science in memory of Michael Lee Ward.
Condolences may be sent to www.worthingtonfh.com.