Paul Ward

Floyd Paul Ward, 87, of Carmi, passed away at 3:30 am, July 16, 2017 at Wabash Christian Retirement Center in Carmi, Illinois.  He was born November 3, 1929 in Bluford, Illinois, the son of Floyd Daniel and Alta Ruth (Tharp) Ward.  He married Marilyn Joyce Cherry on December 31, 1960.  Marilyn preceded him in death May 7, 2017 after 56 years of marriage.

Paul retired as a Sergeant Major of the US Army Reserve following a 30-year career and was a long time Carmi businessman.  He began his business career in his father’s tire business, Ward’s Tire Shop in Carmi, and was the general manager until 1971, when he and Marilyn left the tire business to buy Ward Stock Farm.  He and Marilyn farmed together for 27 years before retiring to hunting, fishing and grandchildren.  He served eight years on the White County Board, was a 63-year member of the American Legion Post 224, a long time member of the Carmi Elk’s Club, and a 32nd Degree Mason and member of the Shrine.  He also served 20 years as President of the White County Memorial Gardens and was a member of the First Christian Church in Carmi.  He was also an avid hunter and fisherman.

He is survived by two daughters, Paula (Les) Owen of Benton, Kentucky, and Joyce (Bobby) Grider of Carmi, Illinois; a son, Bruce Ward of Fort Branch, Indiana; two step-sons, Colonel (R) Terry (Cynthia) Trout of McKinney, Texas, Ray Trout of Evansville, Indiana; and a sister, Ruth Ann (Ted) Smith of Carmi, Illinois.  In addition, Paul was survived by nine grandchildren and 13 great-grand-children and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marilyn, and his brother Van Ward.

Funeral services for Floyd Paul Ward will be held at Stendeback Family Funeral Home in Carmi, Illinois at Noon on Thursday July 20, 2017.  Visitation will be from 10 a.m until time of Services. Burial will follow at White County Memorial Gardens with military rites by the American Legion Post 224 and VFW of Carmi, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Paul’s name to White County Memorial Garden or the First Christian Church in Carmi and will be accepted at the cemetery or Stendeback’s Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at stendebackfamilyfuneralhome.com