Wilbur Lee Ward's Obituary
Wilbur Lee Ward, 90, of Clinton, IL, passed away at 4:37 P.M. on Wednesday (August 20, 2025) at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Wilbur was born on June 18, 1935, in Decatur, IL, the son of Wilbur Ludwick Ward and Dorothy Mae (Kern) Ward Millington. He was married to Sandra (Cripe) Zeeb from 1955 – 1969. She preceded him in death. He married Barbara Faye Gast Galvin on October 7, 1975, in Normal, IL.
Wilbur worked at J.R. Heath, Firestone, Thornton Welding, Longbon Sheet Metal, Burdick Aeration, and then owned his own company, Ward Installation.
He is survived by his wife Barbara Ward of Randall Residence Decatur, IL; sons: Mark Ward and wife Liz of Decatur, IL; Matthew Ward and wife Julie of Decatur, IL; Mitchell Ward and wife Regina of Decatur, IL; daughters: Mary Kinney and husband Michael of Decatur, IL; Melanie Gibala and husband Michael of Decatur, IL; Susan Newbold and husband Cree of Franklin, TN; Sara Stirnitzke of Vacaville, CA; twelve grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild; one brother Cecil “Bud” Cripe and wife Elaine of Decatur, IL; one sister, Barbara Burgener of Lehigh Acres, FL.
Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Gerald and William and son-in-law Tom Stirnitzke.
Memorials can be made to Alzheimer’s Association (2144 S MacArthur Blvd Suite 301, Springfield, IL 62704) or Rock Springs Conservation Area, Decatur, IL.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in care of Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Homes https://www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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