John Raymond Ward, of Dixon, was born on September 7, 1955 in Effingham, Illinois a son of Ernest and Mildred (Swick) Ward and departed this life at 2:04 p.m. Monday, May 13, 2019 in the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Columbia. Mr. Ward had attained the age of 63 years, 8 months and 6 days.
Mr. Ward was united in marriage on February 22, 1985 at Dixon to Dolores Lee Brickey. He was preceded in death by his wife on December 6, 2015; one son, John Michael Ward; his parents and one brother, Therman Ward.
Mr. Ward entered into the United States Army on November 30, 1973 and honorably serving his country for over 20 years, retiring in 1994 at the rank of Sergeant First Class. SFC Ward was awarded and entitled to wear the Meritorious Service Medal – 2D AWD; Army Commendation Medal-4th AWD; Army Achievement Medal-3D AWD; Army Good Conduct Medal-7th AWD; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon-4th AWD; Non Commissioned Officer Professional DevelopmentRibbon-3D AWD; Expert Qualification Badge Hand Grenade; Sharpshooter Qualification Badge; Rifle M16 and the Expert Qualification Badge 45 Caliber Pistol.
Mr. Ward was a member of the Arlington Lodge Number 346 A.F. & A.M., Dixon. Following his military career, he had worked as a deputy sheriff for Pulaski County as a crime scene investigator and later for civil service as an instructor of weapons for mass destruction. Mr. Ward served as the Municipal Judge for the City of Dixon for several years, until his health no longer permitted. He enjoyed working in his yard, visiting and helping his neighbors and friends, going to Harbor Freight and being with his children and grandchildren.
Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Ward include: six daughters and sons-in-law: Valarie and Michael Sowers, Jackson; LaDonna and Les Hansmann, Dixon; Sabina and Larry Winterrowd, Dieterich, Illinois; Amanda and Jake Albert, Clearwater, Florida; Brittany and Andrew Smith, Dixon and Beverly and Paul Watson, Dixon; fifteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a special nephew, Tommy Ward; Uncles; Aunts; and many other relatives and friends.
Masonic services under the auspices of the Arlington Lodge Number 346 A.F. and A.M, Dixon was held for Mr. Ward at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, May 17, 2019 in the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Chapel, Dixon, followed by his funeral service with Pastor Tom Cromwell officiating.
Interment with full military honors was held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 17, 2019 in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery Waynesville under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Dixon. Honorary pallbearers for Mr. Ward were Michael Sowers, Les Hansmann, Andrew Smith, Auston Hansmann, Karsten Sowers, Blake Doyle and Paul Watson.