Charles E. Ward

WILMINGTON—Charles E. Ward, 75, of Wilmington, passed away Monday, Feb. 22, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.
Born Jan. 4, 1946 in Joliet, Charles Eugene was a son of Archie and Philomena “Toots” (Munsterman) Ward. He was raised and educated in Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High School with the class of 1965, where he was an accomplished wrestler. Following high school, Charles enlisted with the United States Marine Corps and honorably served from 1966 to 1969. On Dec. 20, 1967, he married Donna W. Evans at the First United Methodist Church in Wilmington.
Charles worked for 37 years at Durkee Foods (Loders Croklaan) until his retirement in 2007. He was a talented woodworker and loved spending his time outdoors hunting and fishing. Charles’ favorite sport was football and was a proud Chicago Bears and Wilmington Wildcats fan.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Donna Ward, of Wilmington; three daughters: Anita Ward, of Wilmington; Jill Zacha, of Braidwood and Dawna Ward, of Wilmington; two grandchildren: Ashlee (Alex) Clubb, of Morris and Jace Zacha, of Braidwood; one great-grandson, Parker Clubb; one sister-in-law, Brenda (Paul) Bumpous, of Braidwood; one niece and two nephews: Melissa (John) Harvey, of Braidwood; William “Bopper” (Shawn) Welsh III, of Wilmington and Jacob (fiancé Alyssa Hudik) Evans, of Braidwood; as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews and great-great-nephews.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Donald and Virginia Evans; his brother, Larry, and his brother-in-law, Wally Evans.
Per Charles’ wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and private inurnment with full military honors will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. A celebration of Charles’ life will be held in the summer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Charles’ memory to: Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431.
Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Charles’ memorial page by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com.
Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington.