Herschel E. Ward

Herrin- Herschel E. Junior Ward, 87, of Herrin, passed away at 11:50 PM, Thursday, November 9, 2006 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. Herschel was born on June 17, 1919 in Herrin to Hershel E. & Lena (McNeil) Ward, Sr. He was married to Olive I. Petty on June 18, 1937 by the Justice of the Peace in Benton. She survives of Herrin. Mr. Ward served in the US Army during World War II. Once honorably discharged, he drove the dragline for Tru Ex Trayer Mine in Pinckneyville. He helped build the Alaskan Pipeline and the AL-Can Highway and retired at age 57 after driving trucks for Egyptian Truck lines. He was member of the Teamsters Union and received a safety citation for driving twenty years accident free. Herschel was a rugged outdoorsman who liked fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family. He enjoyed thirty years of retirement; fishing and playing guitar in a bluegrass band, in Port Isabelle, TX. He was a gifted story teller and was never one to complain. He was an active member of Bryan Street Baptist Church in Herrin where he served as Sunday School Teacher and Trustee. SURVIVORS: Wife- Olive Ward- Herrin Son & daughter in law- Ronald & Mona Ward- Herrin Son & daughter in law- Robert & Mickey Ward- Effingham Son & daughter in law- Donald & Carol Ward- Herrin Daughter- June Ward- Herrin Nine Grandchildren: Todd Ward & wife Lisa- Herrin Mark Ward & wife Beverly- Du Quoin Andre Jo Searles- Mesa, AZ Jennifer Ward- Salem Sara Jones & husband Chad- Mt. Vernon Jeremy Ward- Herrin Valarie Jacovides- Mesa, AZ Vicki Horn- Mesa, AZ Cindy Chamness & husband Darrell- Murphysboro Eleven Great Grandchildren: Jared, Cody & Rachel Ward- Herrin Drew Horn- Mesa, AZ Brittney & Brooke Ward- DuQuoin Caitlyn Henson- Salem Nick Jacovides- Mesa, AZ Josh Thurman- Mesa, AZ Elizabeth & Erica Sealy- Murphysboro Great Great Grandchild- Zachary Hayden- Mesa, AZ Brother & sister in law- Charles & Sylvia Ward- Sycamore, IL Many nieces nephews and cousins The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, November 13, 2006 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Rev. Duane Faulkenberry will officiate. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery with military rites provided by the Herrin VFW and American Legion Posts. Visitation will be from 6-9:00 PM, Sunday, November 12, 2006 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Memorial donations are suggested to Bryan Street Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.