Robert R. Ward Obituary (1934

Robert R. Ward, 90, of Pontiac, Illinois, passed away Monday, July 14, 2025, at St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington, Illinois. Cremation rites will be accorded. Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home of Pontiac has been entrusted with the arrangements. Robert was born on October 30, 1934, in Paris, Texas. The son of John Ward and Loretta Horton. Spending his early years in and around Pell City, Alabama. He was united in marriage to Jean Gillies, on April 6, 1957, in Michigan. Robert is survived by his sons, Glen Ward and Scot (Connie) Ward; his three grandchildren, Karen Ward, Jonathan (Tiffany) Ward and Jessica (Kyle) Weirauch; His four great grandchildren, Jason Snay, Beau Holden, Cora Ward and Amelia Weirauch. Siblings Claude Hollis, Richard Hollis, Jimmy Hollis, Joyce Poe, Freddy Hollis and Scotty Youngblood He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Jean Ward, his siblings: Ed Hollis, Bobbie Gene Hollis, Larry Hollis, Carolyn Brittain and Jerry Hollis Shortly after Robert and Jean were married the adventures began, a honeymoon to Florida which involved a car wreck that broke Jean’s leg. They returned to Michigan to settle into a quiet life, the US Army had different ideas, Robert was drafted into the Army to report for basic training at Fort Benning Ga. in September 1957. After training he was given orders to Schweinfurt, Germany to drive a Fuel truck for the Army. Jean later joined him in Germany. They fondly shared stories of this time of their adventure. Robert and Jean returned from Germany and proudly receiving an Honorable Discharge in September 1959. Living in Ferndale, Michigan, Robert’s career at Ford Motor company continued. He had many positions a few examples: gear grinding, setup man, customer liaison and Quality engineer. During this time in, 1972 Robert and Jean decided to Relocate the family to Elizabeth Lane in Almont, Michigan lots very close friends were made and last to this day. They raised two boys in the house they had built; they resided there until 1996. During the 1960’s Robert and Jean took up camping in an RV. Vacations were spent in East Tawas and Mrytle beach with family and friends. After Robert’s retirement in 1988 the adventure continued full-time. They tried Florida “Too Many bugs and old people”, so off to Las Vegas where Robert and Jean eventually relocated too. Travelling in their RV with the Avion travel club to see National parks and many other sights. They even ventured into Mexico with the caravan. During the very hot summer they would travel across the country to see their beloved family. Robert and Jean would take their three grandchildren for RV adventures on their travels around the midwest. The adventure continued in 2018 when Robert and Jean moved to Pontiac, Illinois to be closer to family. Robert continued making friends with Eastview Drive neighbors and talking to other members of the Pontiac Recreation center where he attended at last 4 days a week. Robert enjoyed visits from family especially grand and great grandchildren, going out to eat Wednesday night, playing the stock market, lottery, watching Nascar, ordering pizza on Sunday, PGA Golf, talk shows, NFL games and anything to do with the garden. A lot of great friends made which Robert did wherever he was. Memorial donations in Robert’s and Jean’s name may be made to the Shiners Hospitals for Children, http://donate.lovetotherescue.org, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, http://www.stjude.org, or Donor’s Choice. Online condolences may be made to the family at duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.