Charles Ward

Charles Arthur Ward, 88,  died at 11:15 p.m., Monday, October 1, 2012 at the Liberty Village in Pittsfield.He was born in Jersey County on July 11, 1924, and was the son of the late Arthur Jonah & Agnes R. (Franz) Ward.Charles married the former Elizabeth Louise Mielke on Nov. 21, 1945 at the rectory of St. Francis Xavier Church in Jerseyville, and they shared 62 years together before her death on May 31, 2008.He began working for the City of Jerseyville after his marriage, and was employed there for seven years.  He than began working for Calhoun County Construction of Springfield, IL., and was the Superintendent for Road & Bridge Construction retiring in 1984.  After his retirement, he and his wife owned and operated "The Shoe Factory" in downtown Jerseyville, and later he began doing carpentry and construction under the canopy of Ward Enterprises.He was a 60 year volunteer for the City of Jerseyville Fire Department, and spent the majority of that time as Assistant Fire Chief.  He was proud of his involvement with the department and cherished the many friendships that he made along the way.Surviving are are a daughter, Barbara Moore of Jerseyville; a son & daughter in law, Denny & Debbie Ward of Jerseyville; five grandchildren & their spouses, Scott & Lisa Moore, Sheri & Richard Clanton all of Jerseyville, Drs. Derrick & Audra Ward of Overland Park, Ks., Darci Ward of St. Charles, Mo., and Drew Ward of Jerseyville; six great grandchildren, Josh Moore, Brett Moore, Brian Lewis, Megan Lewis, Katie Clanton, Barrett Ward; and two great great grandchildren, Adison Lewis & Brooklyn Mathews; and two brothers, David Ward of Kingston Mines and Hollis Ward of Dow.He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, a great granddaughter, Ashley Moore; and four brothers, Donald, Dale, Paul & Robert Ward.Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville with Father William Hembrow officiating.Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville.Memorials may be given to the City of Jerseyville Fire Department in care of the funeral home

Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home