Ward F. Jones

Ward F. Jones, 75 of Seaton, died Thursday, September 14, 2006 near his home. Services will be held on Monday at 10:30 AM at Center Presbyterian Church, Seaton. Burial will be in Candor Cemetery, rural Seaton. Visitation is Sunday from 2 to 5 PM at Speer Funeral Home, Aledo. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Center Presbyterian Church. Ward was born on November 30, 1930 to Ward M. & Ruth Olive (Larson) Jones, on the family farm in Abington Township. He resided on and actively farmed this Sesquicentennial Farm until his death. Ward married Suzanne Guy on August 26, 1956 at College Avenue Presbyterian Church, Aledo. Ward was an active member of his community, having served on many boards including: Mercer County Board for 11 ½ years, and serving as Board Chairman for 2 years ; Abington Township Supervisor from 1971-1996; Pope Creek Cemetery Association, of which he was currently President; Extension Council; FHA Board; Abington Township Precinct Committeeman and the 708 Mental Health Board. He was also a member of: Mercer County Farm Bureau; Seaton Masonic Lodge; Royal Arch Commandry; Mohammed Temple Shrine of Peoria; Western Illinois Shrine Club; a former member of the Pork Producer Board; Aledo Kiwanis Club; Oakview Country Club, of which he was on the board of directors. Ward was a lifetime member of the Center Presbyterian Church, was currently serving as Elder and was a member of the choir. Ward was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Korean Conflict. Ward enjoyed golfing and helped start the golf league at Oakview in the early 1960’s. He was an avid bridge player; enjoyed planting trees; spraying and mowing weeds and working around the farm. Ward also worked with the Seaton Youth Basketball and Softball Program for 13 years. Those left to honor Ward’s memory include his wife of 50 years, Sue; 3 children and their spouses: Dr. W. Scott & Linda Jones of Roseville; Christopher L. & Karen R. Jones of Seaton and Elizabeth & Arthur Bernstein of East Dundee, IL; 4 grandchildren: Gregory, Brian & Katie Jones and Nicholas Jones and a sister-in-law: Marian Hicklin & her husband, Charles of Mariemont, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents.