Richard A. Ward

Richard A. Ward, age 50, of Monmouth, Illinois; passed away at his Monmouth home on March 22, 2012. Richard was born on October 26, 1961 in Monmouth, and is the son of James E. and Mary L. Ross Ward. Rich was raised in Monmouth where he attended local schools and graduated from Monmouth High School with the class of 1979. After high school he enlisted in the Army and served from 1979 to 1983 as an Aviation Structural Mechanic. After service Rich attended Southern Illinois University and was employed at "My Brother's Place" in Carbondale, Illinois as a bartender. He also worked in that area as a Ferrier's Assistant for a few years before returning to Monmouth. Richard returned to Monmouth to be a compassionate caretaker for his parents in their home on eleventh, to the present. Rich enjoyed cooking, gardening, camping, fishing, hunting, and especially "hangin out" with his family and friends. Surviving is Richard's brother, Brian J. Ward of Williston, North Dakota and a nephew Morgan "JA" Ward of Webster, Missouri. There are also a number of cousins and aunts surviving. Preceding him in death are his parents. Services:A memorial service is planned on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 10:00 am at the Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth, Illinois. Interment of his ashes and both of his parents, will follow at Monmouth Cemetery where military honors will also be accorded. A memorial fund is being established for Shriners Children's Hospitals.