John W. Ward 75, of Mt. Auburn, passed away on Friday, July 9, 2021 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL. surrounded by his family.

John was born on October 13, 1945, in Springfield, the son of Samuel and Lucille (Davis) Ward. He married Jeanie Brown on March 5, 1965. He was an avid Cardinals fan, coached little league baseball and basketball, enjoyed golfing, and was a  loving family man.

John worked for many years at Fiat Allis in Springfield and retired from the State of Illinois, Treasurers Office.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Harry Ward, Shirley Stuart, and Phyllis Ludwig and his beloved dog, Flea Ward.

John is survived by the love of his life, wife Jeanie; sons, Brian (Denise) and Brad (Barb) Ward; grandchildren, Jessi (Jimmy) Turpin, Brooke (Jacob) Logue, Andy (Lauren) Ward and Aaron Ward; great grandchildren, Luna Turpin, Dax Logue and Weston Ward; brother, Sam Ward; and beloved canine companion, Chandler.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at Wilson Park Funeral Home, 200 E. Main Street, in Rochester, from 10:00AM until the time of the funeral service at 11:30 with Pastor Mike Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Mt. Auburn.

Memorial donations may be made in John's name to the Animal Protective League of Springfield or The American Cancer Society.