Cover photo for Charles Ward's Obituary
Charles Ward Profile Photo

Charles Ward

January 4, 1946 — February 22, 2021

Charles Ward

Charles E. Ward

Age 75 of Wilmington, passed away Monday, February 22, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.

Born January 4, 1946 in Joliet, Charles Eugene was a son of Archie and Philomena “Toots” (Munsterman) Ward. He was raised and educated in Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1965, where he was an accomplished wrestler. Following High School, Charles enlisted with the United States Marine Corps and honorably served from 1966 to 1969. On December 20, 1967, he married Donna W. Evans at the First United Methodist Church in Wilmington.

Charles worked for 37 years at Durkee Foods (Loders Croklaan) until his retirement 2007. He was a talented woodworker and loved spending his time outdoors hunting and fishing. Charles’ favorite sport was football and was a proud Chicago Bears and Wilmington Wildcats fan.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Donna Ward of Wilmington, three daughters: Anita Ward of Wilmington, Jill Zacha of Braidwood, and Dawna Ward of Wilmington; two grandchildren: Ashlee (Alex) Clubb of Morris and Jace Zacha of Braidwood; one great grandson, Parker Clubb, one sister-in-law, Brenda (Paul) Bumpous of Braidwood, one niece and two nephews: Melissa (John) Harvey of Braidwood, William “Bopper” (Shawn) Welsh III of Wilmington, and Jacob (fiancé Alyssa Hudik) Evans of Braidwood; as well as numerous great nieces and great nephews and great-great nephews.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Donald and Virginia Evans; his brother, Larry, and his brother-in-law, Wally Evans.

Per Charles’ wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and private inurnment with full military honors will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. A celebration of Charles’ life will be held in the summer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Charles’ memory to: Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, Illinois 60431.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Charles’ memorial page by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles Ward, please visit our flower store.

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