John Burnham Ward, 90, of Litchfield, passed away Wed., Oct. 12, 2016, at 12:37 a.m. in HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield. Mr. Ward was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during WWII. He was born on Feb. 1, 1926 in Iroquois County, IL, the son of Isaac Harry and Lucy Edna (George) Ward.
He married Margaret Marie Spencer on Mar. 31, 1946, in Momence, IL. She preceded him in death in June 1991. He later married Harriet Lucille (Peterson) Rutherford on Sept. 2, 1992. She preceded him in death on Feb. 9, 2013. He was employed by Illinois Bell as a manager for several years.
John was a member of Union Avenue Christian Church, American Legion Post #436 and La Société Des 40 Hommes Et 8 Chevauk, all in Litchfield. He enjoyed traveling, doing yard work, sports and reading.
He is survived by son, Michael Ward of Tehachapi, CA; two stepsons, Kent (Charlene) Rutherford of Dorsey and Brent (Sandy) Rutherford of Litchfield; stepdaughter, Cathy (Brian) Spensberger of Litchfield; 12 grandchildren, Sonja (Paul) Keiser, Amanda (Joshua) Snyder, Eric Ward, Brandon Ward, Melissa (Justin) Garland, Matthew (Jennifer) Rutherford, Sara Rutherford, Troy (Renee) Rutherford, Craig (Megan) Rutherford, Dutch (Brandy) Grove, Tina (Mike) Ballard and Alan (Tiffany) Grove; several great-grandchildren; and daughter-in-law, Micheline Ward of Joliet.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives; and a son, Douglas Ward.
A private family memorial service will be held Sun., Oct. 16, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. in Plummer Funeral Home. Rev. Peggy Hickman, Interim Minister of Union Avenue Christian Church in Litchfield, will officiate. No visitation will be held.
The family suggests memorials to Union Avenue Christian Church in Litchfield.
Plummer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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