Stillman Valley – Richard David Ward "Dick", age 73, died Tue., Nov. 13, 2012 at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford. He was born May 11, 1939 in Wamac, Illinois the son to Mark and Evelyn Ward. He met the love of his life at age 14 (Willadene Hodge). They married 2 years later. Through struggles he found his way to feed, shelter, and clothed her and 5 babies. He moved forward with every step of his life. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1962 from the U.S. Navy. He retired in 2000 from Consolidated Freight Ways in Rockford after 39 years of truck driving. He loved his family and his friends. A perfect day was riding his Harley next to his son and best friend "Rich", and making a day of it. Dick was predeceased by his parents, wife Willadene, 2 daughters; Susan and Tamara Ward, and brother Art Ward. Survived by his 3 children; Terry (Frank) Lindenmeier of Grove, Oklahoma, Sherry Ward (her fiancée Dale Echelbarger) of Stillman Valley, and Richard M. Ward of Stillman Valley, sister Doris Eckel of Olney, Illinois, grandson William Richard (Jennifer) Glazier, and 2 great granddaughters Hannah and Ruby, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be 11:00 am, Sat., Nov. 17, 2012 at the Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 136 West Roosevelt Rd. in Stillman Valley with the Rev. Randy Snider pastor of the First Baptist Church of Byron officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service at the funeral home from 9:30 to 11:00 am. Burial will be 2:00 pm, Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012 at the Stillman Valley Cemetery. A memorial fund is established in his name and at Dick's request feel free to dress casual for the service.