Gary Ward

Gary Wayne Ward, 66, of Grayville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, surrounded by family. He was born on Sunday, October 4, 1959, in Fairfield, Illinois, the son of Robert “Bob” Robinson Ward and Dorothy “Dot” Ann (Onyett) Ward. Gary married Linda Ann Boston on February 4, 2017, at Faith Tabernacle Church in Carmi, Illinois. They shared 17 years together, and Linda remained faithfully by Gary’s side throughout their time together, lovingly caring for him and providing unwavering love, comfort, and support.

Gary lived life on his own terms and worked hard throughout his life to provide for his family. Above all his work, he was a fifth-generation farmer, and farming was a joint venture with his father, Bob. The two spent countless hours together working on the farm and keeping equipment running, more often than not fixing broken-down tractors and tackling whatever challenge came their way. He was driven by the history they built together, and it was the work that meant the most to Gary. One of Gary’s final acts included purchasing family ground that had been in the family for 150 years, putting history and legacy above his own financial needs. Alongside the farm, he owned and operated Gary Ward Gun Shop and G W Machine and Welding. Gary was a member of the First Methodist Church when he was younger and, more recently, began attending First Christian Church in Grayville with his family. Gary had many interests throughout his life, and many of them involved his love of collecting. He enjoyed collecting stamps, tractors, sock monkeys, Christmas ornaments, guitars, and Michael Jordan and Harley-Davidson memorabilia. He was a proud lifetime member of the NRA and had a lifelong passion for guns, enjoying buying, selling, and trading them and sharing his knowledge and interest with others. Gary also had a love for motorcycles from a young age and had many memories riding with his family. He was especially proud when he purchased his first Harley-Davidson.

Known as “Moose” since his high school days, Gary was a man of raw strength and few words. His stoic presence, blunt honesty, and dry sense of humor were misread by just about everyone at first — but those who knew him best knew the truth: beneath the gruff exterior was a heart of gold, and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for the people he loved. He put his closest people before everyone else, always.

His favorite song was “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, and one line from it served as his guide to life: “Follow your heart and nothing else.” Through the hardship of a stroke and the many challenges he faced over the past four years, Gary held firmly to those words. Even during the most difficult times, he continued to face life with determination, staying true to himself and the things that mattered most to him.

Above all, Gary cherished his family and the time he was able to spend with them. He was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved, especially his children and grandchildren. Gary took great pride in his family and treasured every visit, conversation, laugh, and memory they shared together. He loved watching his grandchildren grow and enjoyed being part of their lives in every way he could. Whether it was a family gathering, a simple visit, or just spending time together, those moments meant the world to Gary. His family brought him immeasurable joy, and the memories they made together will be treasured for years to come. Above all else, his family was his greatest source of love and happiness, and he will be deeply missed by each and every one of them.

Gary is survived by his wife, Linda Ann Ward of Grayville, IL; his children, Jake (Jennifer) Ward of Indianapolis, IN, and Jessica (Kyle) Roosevelt of Grayville, IL; grandchildren, Kylee, Zeke, and Bowen Roosevelt and Jack Robert Ward; a nephew, Daniel Gray; aunt, Emma-Lou Norman; and many, many cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, Joshua Gray.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, in the chapel of Roberts and Cook Funeral Service, 221 N. First St., Grayville, IL 62844, with Pastor Bob Beckman officiating. Burial will be held privately at a later date. Family and friends may visit from 11:00 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Gary’s memory to a college fund for his grandchildren. Checks may be made payable to Jessica Roosevelt and will be accepted at Roberts and Cook Funeral Service, which has been entrusted with arrangements.