Byrom F. Ward Obituary (1929

Byrom F. Ward, 93, of Calvin, Illinois, died Monday, January 16, 2023, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana. He was born August 12, 1929, in Gray Township, White County, Illinois, the son of Byrom Frederick Ward and Frankie Stella (Robinson) Ward. He was married to Marjorie Ella (Payne) Ward for 51 years, and she preceded him in death on July 29, 2022. Byrom was a farmer, but also worked in the oil fields of the Illinois Basin as an electrician and welder and he taught welding at Frontier Community College. He was a patriot and served in the United States Army 101st Airborne in Germany during the Korean War. Byrom was a lifetime member of several organizations including Veterans of Foreign Wars (13th District Commander), American Legion (24th District Commander), Masonic Lodge, and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Throughout the years, he participated in hundreds of military graveside honor ceremonies. Other memberships include the Moose Lodge, Shriners, and Lions Club. Byrom worked many fundraiser for the community and he also served Gray Township as a Trustee and as Township Supervisor. Survivors include son Burl (Jo) Ward, of Phoenix, Arizona; daughters Beverley (Jake) Nichols of Lubbock, Texas, Robin (Jim) Finch, and Shawna Irvine; brother Bob (Dorothy) Ward, all of Grayville, Illinois; 11 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother Jack Ward; sisters Marguerite Bond and Martha Rector. In keeping with Byroms wishes, his remains were cremated. A visitation and military honors will be Friday, January 20, 2023, at Cook Funeral Chapel in Grayville, Illinois. Visitation is 4:30 6:30 pm with military honors at 6:30 pm on the parking lot of Cook Funeral Chapel in Grayville, Illinois. Burial will be at a later date in Oak Grove Cemetery in Grayville, Illinois. Cook Funeral Chapel in Grayville, Illinois, is in charge of arrangements. Visitation: Cook Funeral Chapel, Grayville, Illinois, Friday, January 20, 2023 - 4:30 - 6:30 pm Service: Cook Funeral Chapel, Grayville, Illinois, Military Honors on parking lot - Friday, January 20, 2023 - 6:30 pm Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery, Grayville, Illinois - at later date Memorials: Josh Gray Memorial Fund