Jerry Ward

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. -- Jerry W. Ward, 80, of Murphysboro passed away Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011, at Carbondale Memorial Hospital.

He was born June 27, 1930, in Cape Girardeau, son of Arch and Opal Sledge Ward. He and Betty Farrow were married Aug. 14, 1948, in Piggott, Ark.

Jerry was an engineer with CIPS and had worked 35 years before retiring. He was a member of International Union of Operating Engineers Local 148. Jerry was also a farmer and enjoyed horses very much.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Betty of the home; six sons, Tim (Ruth) Ward of Murphysboro, Tony (Sherry) Ward of Anna, Ill., Steve Ward of Ava, Ill., Archie (June) Ward of Chester, Ill., Scott (Cindy) Ward of Murphysboro, Brad (Erin) Ward of Overland Park, Kan.; a daughter, Stephanie (Rick) Attig of Overland Park; a brother, Toby (Marilyn) Ward of Lake Villa, Ill.; a sister, Vickie Sue Slinkard of Oriole; 22 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Crain Pleasant Grove Funeral Home in Murphysboro. Entombment will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and/or TIP Hospice.

Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com or www.crainsonline.com.