Charles Albert Ward (affectionately known as Chuck), age 92, of Fairbury, IL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Charles was born on October 13, 1931, to Charles Frederick and Lilly (Yaden) Ward, at their family farm east of Lexington. He was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a proud veteran of the Korean War, serving from 1952-1954 in the United States Army. His dedication and bravery during his service earned him numerous commendations, including two Bronze Service Stars.
On December 4, 1955, he married his beloved bride of 68 years, Clarice Mae Christensen, in Sibley, Illinois. She survives in Fairbury. Together, they had 3 children: Connie (Mike) White of Fairbury, Charles (Annette) Ward of Maple Valley, WA, and Carol (Phillip) Sartoris of Pontiac. His children immensely blessed his life by giving him 10 grandchildren: Kristina (Adam) Chase, Kaci (Tim) Snyder, Kami (Josh) Hetman, Charlie (Kirsten) Ward, Alana Ward, Alivia Ward, Taylor (Clayton) Vivier, Bailey Sartoris, Charlie Sartoris, and Santino Sartoris. He is affectionately known by his 11 (plus one on the way) great-grandchildren as “Grumpy Grampy.” Charles is also survived by his favorite brother, LeRoy (Barb) Ward, Fairbury, and two loving sisters, Lucille Payton, Hudson, and Amanda Bachtold, Fairbury. He is preceded in death by one sister, Emma Oliver, and one brother in-law, Chuck Payton.
The greatest loves in his life were his family. He grew his faith in God with his wife, cared deeply for his siblings, created special memories with his children, cheered loud & proud for his grandchildren, and enjoyed assigning nicknames. Chuck believed the only car worth driving was a Ford, including his prized possession Model A. Mr. Fix-It always found things to keep him busy in his shop from the local auction house.
In addition to his military service, Chuck had a successful career as a truck driver for 35 years with Nussbaum Trucking. His CB handle was “Silver C” and he developed relationships all over central Illinois. He was proud of his time at Nussbaum and frequently told stories of the people he came across. At the time of his retirement, he was the 2nd longest standing employee. A number he was very proud of.
Chuck loved trading jabs and developed meaningful friendships with people of all ages. He loved starting his days with his coffee buddies, both his Bloomington McDonald’s crew and the 7:00 AM Dave’s Supermarket crew. The friendships he cultivated through endless pots of coffee were ones he deeply cherished.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 2:00-5:00 PM at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home in Fairbury. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairbury, with Pastor Nathan Frieg officiating. Burial will follow in South Graceland Cemetery, Fairbury with full military rites accorded by the Fairbury VFW and American Legion posts.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to John Joda American Legion Post of Fairbury, in memory of Chuck Ward, as his time serving at the Legion was deeply meaningful to him. Charles was also a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Fairbury. Our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Carle BroMenn Medical Center, including the Carle hospice team, who treated Chuck with dignity and compassion in his final days.
Chuck will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of love, courage, laughter, and faith will continue to inspire us all. We know that he roller skated his way into heaven and is enjoying his time with the Lord.
