Bill D. Ward's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Billy D. Ward, age 81 of Charleston, went to his Heavenly Home on Monday, February 13, 2017 while at Hilltop Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Private Services honoring and celebrating his life will be held for his family at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston with Pastor Tom Skinner officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Omer Cemetery located north of Ashmore, IL. Bill's family requests that friends and the Charleston Community join them for a service to be held at a later date at Morton Park in Charleston to honor and celebrate his life. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the Charleston School District Helping Hands Program. Gifts may be mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Bill was born October 1, 1935 in Coles County, IL, a son of the late Orval D. and Catherine (Anderson) Ward. He married his high school sweetheart, Suetta Easter on August 5, 1954 in Ashmore, IL and they have shared 62 memorable years of marriage and friendship. In addition to his devoted wife, Suetta, Bill is survived by a daughter, Cindra Stiff and husband Jimmy Ray of Philpot, KY; a son, Bob Ward of Mattoon, IL; a daughter-in-law, Leslie Patterson of Nexa, MO; a son-in-law, Joseph Portillo of Charleston; 9 grandchildren, Jeremy, Jason, Josh, Jakob, Jarrick, Jaydon, Layla Jane, Justice and Shane; and 10 great-grandchildren, Josie, Quinn, Lilly, Avery, Jaxon, Violette, Abygayle, Elizabeth, Jaythan (J.J.) and Eli. Bill also remained close to his numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a son, Mark Ward; a daughter Annamarie Portillo; and a sister, Barbara Lang. Bill was a 1953 graduate of Charleston High School. He attended Eastern Illinois University but left after a year to pursue full-time employment with the Benedicts Well-Worth Store. He began working part-time at Benedicts in 1952, while still in high school, and went on to become co-owner with Bill Strong. Retail was in his blood and Bill thrived at being a part of the retail environment. After the store closed in 1985, Bill became a merchandiser for 16 years with the R.J. Reynolds Company and later accepted a position with the City of Charleston Water Department, spending the next 23 years as a plant operator. Bill's devotion and dedication to Charleston and his fellow residents was apparent. For many years he was an active member of the Charleston Jaycees and has enjoyed serving on the Charleston Township Park Board - currently as President. These organizations allowed him to actively be a part of and promote projects and activities for the good of the community. Bill was especially fond of the Fourth of July celebration that takes place at Morton Park as well as other community events which the park hosts.
What’s your fondest memory of Bill?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bill?
Share a story where Bill's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bill you’ll never forget.
How did Bill make you smile?