Kenneth D. Ward

Kenneth Dean Ward, 92, of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 5:46 a.m. Thursday, December 12, 2024, in his residence, surrounded by family. 

The burial will be later in Findlay Cemetery, Findlay, IL. Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL. Memorials may be given to the Food Pantry at the First United Methodist Church, Shelbyville, and mailed to Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, 415 N. Broadway, Shelbyville, IL 62565.

Kenneth was born on August 24, 1932, in Pickaway Township, Shelby County, IL, the son of J. Ralph and Marie (Bateman) Ward. He graduated from Findlay High School in the Class of 1950. Kenneth married Louise R. Hilliard on November 2, 1951, and they were blessed with 73 years of marriage. Kenneth served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He returned home to Shelby County where he was a lifelong farmer. 

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Louise; sons, Mike Ward and wife Patty of Windsor, IL, and Greg Ward and wife Tammy of Findlay, IL; daughter, Peggy Letzkus and husband Jerry of Oxford, MS; eight grandchildren, Heidi Walker, Courtney Nichols (Brock), Kelsey Turner (Ethan), Jonathan Feller (Juliana), Jesse Feller (Shelly), Rachel Letzkus, Jerry Letzkus (Julie), and Jenni Fitzgerald (Patrick); and 13 great grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, and infant daughter, Karen Elaine Ward.