Pawnee — John Robert Ward, a lifelong resident of Pawnee, Illinois, died on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at his home. He was 75. Born July 13, 1949, in Springfield, John was the son of Russell E. and Evelyn E. Kincaid Ward. He married Sharon Marie Jenkins on March 10, 1972, at Pawnee United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Richard "Jay" Winks; his stepfather, Roy West; a stepbrother, Dennis West; and a brother-in-law, Tom Baker.

John graduated from Pawnee High School in 1967. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps when he turned 18 and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He remains a Marine to this day, as there is no such thing as a former Marine. He was a self-employed contractor and the owner and operator of J.R. Ward Construction for over 50 years, having never officially retired. He was an extremely hard worker and few, if any people, could outwork him, even in his older years.

Although he earned his living as a carpenter, he was truly a modern-day renaissance man. He enjoyed gardening, reading, writing poetry (both humorous and serious), building furniture, blacksmithing, hunting for and knapping arrowheads, and both telling jokes and pulling pranks. He was a skilled athlete and enjoyed talking about his days playing football in high school. He lifted weights his entire life.

John was extremely artistic as evidenced by his poetry, drawings, and especially his woodcarvings. He was requested to display some of his work in the National Woodcarvers' Museum in Colorado, and many people in Pawnee have received pieces of his work over the years.

In addition to everything else, John was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting and believed no part of an animal should be wasted. He became a highly skilled tracker who was frequently sought out by others to help find wounded game. John was also a skilled mushroom hunter. Finally, he was an animal lover his entire life who had a soft spot for everything from cats and dogs to skunks and possums.

While John had many hobbies and interests, nothing topped his love for his family. He was a devoted family man who put nothing ahead of his loved ones. He loved coaching, teaching, and mentoring his sons and grandkids and never missed an opportunity to spend time with them. He truly loved watching them cheer and play sports, and seeing their art, home movies, and writings. John mellowed a lot as he got older, and his world revolved around his grandkids.

John lived life on his terms, never backed down from a challenge, and expected perfection. He was a loyal son, husband, dad, and grandpa. He was a respected member of the community, a hero to some, and a true friend. John was loved, and he will be missed.

John is survived by Sharon, his wife of over 52 years; two sons, Josh (Alana) and Justin (Lindsay) Ward, both of Pawnee; five grandchildren, Claire, Caden, Canon, Avery, and Brady Ward; one brother, Terry (Sherry) Ward, of Pawnee; one sister, Karen Baker, of Springfield; two stepbrothers, Chris (Danielle) West of Springfield and Roy (Stacey) West of Pawnee; one stepsister, Libby (Tim) Jenkins, of Polo; an aunt; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be private in accordance with John's wishes. However, a celebration of life service will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, at the Pawnee Fire Department at 711 8th St. in Pawnee.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pawnee Sports Boosters, P.O. Box 196, Pawnee, IL 62558, or to the Pawnee Junior High and High School Art Department, 810 4th Street, Pawnee, IL 62558.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is serving the family of John Ward. Online condolences may be expressed at www.curryfh.com.