Ward Leroy Edwards

Rockton- Ward LeRoy Edwards, 95, passed away, Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at Highview in the Woodlands Assisted Living Facility. Born July 1, 1914 in Antioch, son of Bert and Nettie (Christofferson) Edwards. Graduated valedictorian from Antioch Township High School in 1927 and went on to attend and graduate from the University of Illinois (member of FarmHouse Fraternity) from 1931-35. Married the late Margaret (Meg) Miller on Feb. 6, 1937. Married Mary J. (Ettel) Pearson on October 3, 1987. Lived in Tucson, AZ and Rockford and currently resided in Rockton. Member of Grace United Methodist Church, Rockford. Ward was employed as a Field Assistant for the Production Credit Corporation from 1935-39, Senior Inspector for Sanderson and Porter at the Elwood Ordinance Plant in Elwood, from 1940-45, Farm Loan Manager achieving the position of Vice President at Illinois National Bank and Trust Co. 1945-1976. He was active in the Winnebago County 4H Club, Rockford Jaycees, the Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts and Explorer Scouts. He joined the National Campers and Hikers Association in 1957 and organized the Hononegah Chapter of NCHA in 1958 and has been a member ever since. Helped to organize the Illinois State Association of NCHA in 1965-67 and served as its first President 1963-64. Elected national treasurer of NCHA serving from 1965-67 and national executive board 1968-1976 and joined the National Association of Barth Motor Coach Association in 1980. Survivors include wife, Mary J., son, Doug; daughter-in-law, Mary L., sister, Doris Anderson; brother, Harold; grandchildren; Jeff (Cyndee), Greg (Cathy), Stephanie (Brandon Leard), Mindy (Tom) Clark, Todd and Andrea; great grandchildren, Brittany, Josh, Kasia, Braely, Megan, Kirsten and Autumn. Preceded in death by his parents; his first wife; son, Dick; brothers, Homer and Norman and sister, Pearl Taylor. The family would like give special thanks to Dr. Stim and the nurses at RNA, Nicole Ranz, Transitions Hospice and all the staff at Highview in the Woodlands. Funeral service Saturday, July 25, 2009 at Grace United Methodist Church at 10:30 a.m., 3555 McFarland Rd. Rockford with Rev. David Aslesen officiating. Interment in Willwood Burial Park. Visitation Saturday at church from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Memorials to: Grace United Methodist Church or Highview in the Woodlands, 1000 Falcon Point Place, Rockton IL 61072-3308. Fitzgerald Funeral Home assisted the family. Express online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com