Oris Ward

Oris Lyle Ward, 89, of Champaign-Urbana, went to his heavenly home surrounded by his family at his house on October 2, 2023.



He married Barbara Peters on September 7, 1957. Together they had 3 children: Mary Evans (Urbana), Mindy Rife (Mahomet) and James Ward (Urbana). He was also proud to have 5 stepchildren: Sharon Paris (Foosland), Pat Malloch (Mahomet), Penny McKinney (Champaign), Rick Birt (Seymour, TN) and Carl Smithpeters (Forrest City). Oris also was the proud grandfather of many grandchildren and great grandchildren.



He was preceded in death by his wife, Barb; his sons, Rick and James; his daughter, Penny and his daughter-in-law, Cindy.



Oris was honored to be a member of The United States Navy for 4 years and was happy to share stories of his many adventures while serving. He worked for the City Public Works Department for 34 years, retired, and then returned as a temporary worker for another 6 years. He also held various side jobs, in addition and was definitely no stranger to hard work.



Oris loved playing golf and was very competitive when trying to attain the trophy at yearly family reunion golf outings at Lake of the Woods in Mahomet. He also played full court basketball until the age of 76. Oris was a man of unwavering faith and was never shy to lead people toward Jesus.



Owens Funeral Home will conduct a graveside funeral service at the Grandview Memorial Gardens mausoleum at 1:00 pm on Thursday, Oct. 5. Followed by a celebration of life service at 2:00 pm at Faith Missionary Baptist Church in St. Joseph, where he was a member for 53 years.

 

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