John R. "Jack" Ward, 61, Route 5, died at 8:30 a.m. at his home.

He was born in Rockford, Il., on March 15, 1923, the son of Russel C. and Virginia K.(Dale) Ward.

On Dec. 24th, 1947, in Mt Vernon, IL., he married Leola Baydean Poston, who preceded him in death on Sept. 22nd, 1981.

Private graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday at Oakwood Cemetery with the Rev. Jerry Owens officiating. No public visitation will be held. For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Jefferson County Heart Fund and will be accepted at the Hughey Funeral Home, where the arrangements have been made.

Survivors include two sons, Paul R. Ward and his wife, Peggy, and Steven K. Ward and his wife, Joyce, all of Mt. Vernon; one daughter, Mrs. James (Frances) McDermott Jr. of Mt.Vernon; one brother, Robert D. Ward of Mt. Vernon; 10 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Ward attended the First Church of God. He was employed in the maintenance department at the city park until he became ill. He was a Army Veteran of World War II, a member of The American Legion Post 141 and of the Turner Roehm Amvets Post 4.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and two grandchildren.

Source: Mt. Vernon Register News
Date: December 1, 1984
Submitted by Steven Kent Ward
Relationship: Son