Chuck Ward

Charles W. "Chuck" Ward, 73, of Springfield, died at 5:10 p.m. on Sunday, September 29, 2013 at Memorial Medical Center. Chuck was born on January 18, 1940 in Springfield, the son of George and Vivian Grableck Ward. He married Brenda Smith Baietto in 2007. Chuck attended Harvard Park Elementary School, was a graduate of Springfield High School Class of 1958, completed his undergraduate at Illinois College, and received his Master's Degree at the University of Illinois Springfield. He proudly served his country in the Army during Vietnam. He worked in various state agencies and retired from the Department of Agriculture after 36 years. He was a past member of Elks Club, the Corvette Club of Springfield, American Legion Post # 32, Friday night softball, and DAV. He loved gambling and trips to Las Vegas. He was a sports enthusiast who coached and played softball and basketball, and especially loved watching his grandkids play ball. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Brenda of Springfield; one son, Charles W. (Stephanie) Ward II of Salt Lake City, UT; one daughter, Kelly (Ronnie) Burris of Chatham; one step son, Michael (Joni) Baietto of Springfield; three step daughters, Alicia (Darren) Galloway of Pawnee, Jacki (Bob) Staff of Springfield, and Tara Baietto of St. Louis; two grandchildren, Tyler and Jacob Burris; seven step grandchildren, Taylor and Lyndsey Staff, Evan and Emily Baietto, Garrett, Austin and Sydney Galloway; two sisters, Pat Williamson of Lincoln and Carol Peveler of Decatur; and nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield. Funeral Ceremony: 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to: American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle Chicago, IL 60674.