Robert D. Ward, 86, of East Peoria, died at 2:17 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, 2009, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center Emergency Room in Peoria.

Born Sept. 16, 1923, in East Peoria to A. Harry and Goldie R. (Schade) Ward, he married Ardella A. Saltsman Dec. 7, 1946, in Peoria. She died March 20, 2001 in Peoria. He also was preceded in death by one son, Robert L. Ward and one brother, Arthur Ward.

Surviving are three sons, Kenneth G. (Dong Mei) Ward and Harry Ward, both of East Peoria and Gary Ward of Los Angeles, California; a daughter-in-law, Teresa Ward of East Peoria; three grandchldren; and two great-grandchildren.

He served in the United States Air Force from January 1942 to December 1945.

He worked for LaConte Auto parts for 25 years. He later worked for Morton Auto Parts for 10 years, and then for Dealers Automotive for five years.

Services were Oct. 23 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Creve Coeur chapel.  The Rev. Mary Arnold officiated. Visitation was Oct. 22 at the funeral home. Burial was in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.

Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com.