John Francis Ward Sr., 81, of Wolcott, Indiana passed away at 10:00 PM Wednesday April 20, 2022 in Watseka, Illinois at Iroquois Memorial Hospital.
John was born on February 15, 1941 in Gary, Indiana to Roland Ward and Ruth Manning Ward.
He was married to Rosa (Marshall) Ward on January 10, 1976 at the Wolcott House in Wolcott, Indiana.
John was an active member in the community he resided participating in the Wolcott Main Street Committee. He was President of the Abate Region 4 in Indiana. He was also an active member of the American Legion. He was also a member of the AMVET POST 91 of Monticello, Indiana. He had also served as a member of the Wolcott Volunteer Fire Department, was a Professional Truck Driver, and spent his last days performing housing construction.
John enjoyed camping with his friends and family. He loved cruising the streets with his motorcycle and his Mustang convertible! Together he and Rosa traveled the state participating in traveling flea markets and never missed a garage sale! John was also notorious for owing a couple feet that loved to dance once the music was flowing through his veins!
Surviving is an ex-wife Helen (Graves) Johns whom together Debbie (Ward) Cooper of Wolcott, Indiana was born. A step-daughter, Shannan (Ward) Griffis (Husband: Ronald) of Wolcott, Indiana. A son, John Ward Jr (wife: Rochelle) of Bradenton, Florida. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and one great-granddaughter on the way. Also surviving are three brothers Gerald Ward, Dave Ward, Bob Manning, and Colin Manning.
John is preceded in death by his mother Ruth (Manning) Ward and his father Roland Ward, his wife Rosa Ward, one step-daughter Tammy Jo Manus, two brothers Theodore Ward and Gilbert Ward, one sister Sarah Manning.
Friends may call from 2-4 pm (EST) Saturday April 23, 2022 at the Wolcott United Methodist Church
Funeral Services to follow at 4:00 pm (EST) with Pastor Mark Harmon. A graveside service will be held on Monday, April 25, 2022 10:00 am (EST) at Liberty Chapel Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of John to AMVETS Post 91.
