Arthur Ward Obituary

Arthur J. "Art" Ward, 80, of Leesburg, FL died Monday, January 12, 2009. He was born and raised in Chicago and Lincoln, IL. Mr. Ward is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Willa. He moved to Florida in 1993. He was the father of 3 daughters, Patricia (Curtis) Pollard of Bogart, GA, Mary (Larry) Webb of Sugar Grove, IL, and Victoria (Kevin) Willison of Woodridge, IL. The extended family is 3 grandsons, Zachery Willison, Zane and Sullivan Pollard. Also sister, Suzann Ward of The Villages, FL, sister-in-law, Mrs. Evelyn Ward of Beloit, WI and seven nieces and nephews. A brother, Robert Ward preceded him in death. Mr. Ward received his degree from Illinois State University, Normal, IL and taught high school for 34 years. He was a member of Knights of Columbus , 4th Degree, and The American Legion, Post 35 of Mount Dora, FL. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited for many years and enjoyed hunting. He was discharged from the Army in 1952 after serving 2 years. While living in Woodridge, IL, he served as President of Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District when it received the rating of ISO Grade 1. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul's Catholic Church on Friday, January 16 at 11 am, with Father Mark Wegg, Celebrant. A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 15 from 4 to 6 PM with a Wake Service at 6 pm at Beyers Funeral Home, Leesburg. Interment to follow at Florida National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials made be to St. Paul's Catholic Church Student Fund, 1330 Sunshine Ave, Leesburg, FL 34748 or American Lung Association, 1333 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32804-7133. Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Leesburg, FL.