Thomas Ward

Murphysboro Thomas Ward, 84, of Murphysboro passed away at 10:45 AM on Sunday, May 20, 2012 at his residence. Funeral services for Thomas are scheduled for Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 4:00 PM at Blue Funeral Home in Marion. A time of gathering for family and friends will precede the service from 2:00 – 4:00 at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Roaring Branch Cemetery in Roaring Branch, PA on Thursday, May 31, 2012 beside his loving wife. Memorial donations are suggested to TIP Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. Thomas was born in Elmira, NY on Saturday, August 13, 1927 to Nelson & Beatrice (Austin) Ward. He married Mildred “Mickey” McErn on Sunday, July 1, 1951 in Elmira. She preceded him in death on Thursday, May 23, 2002. Mr. Ward is survived by his children, Steve & Sally Ward of Creal Springs, Thomas G. & Judy Ward of Marion, Pam Davis of Murphysboro and Gregg L. Ward of Creal Springs; grandchildren, Scotty & Iwona Ward, Joshua Ward, Jeni Jornlin, Ryan Ward, Amanda Ward, Abby & John Anselment and Stephanie & Scott Simmons; great-grandchildren, Damien, Destiny, Duncan & Vinny Jornlin, Megan, Xander & Alayna Simmons, Alyssa & Candice Lindsey, Emma Anselment, Kasha, Natalia, Sophia, Cash & Isabella Ward; siblings, Lee & Donna Ward, Mary & Bill Young, Jean Carson, Alice Myers, Ann Liberti and Connie & John Underwood; sister-in-law, Louise Ward and several nieces & nephews. Thomas was preceded by his parents; wife; brothers, Nelson Ward & Don Ward. Mr. Ward was a WWII Navy Veteran. He retired in 1986 from the US Federal Penitentiary located outside of Marion. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and traveling. Most importantly, he enjoyed spending time with his large family.