Ward Kerley

Ward Kerley Age: 87 years A resident of rural Simpson, IL. Passed away Wednesday evening, December 23, 2009, at 9:40 PM at Hillview Health Care Center in Vienna, IL. Ward was born August 12, 1922 near Simpson, Illinois. He was the son of Achillis Green "A.G." Kerley and Bertha (Aly) Kerley. Ward was united in marriage to Dorothy June (Burks) on November 20, 1941. She preceded him in death on February 5, 2007. Survivors include: a Daughter - Lana Kay Palmer, and her husband John David, of Belleville, IL a Son - Roy Lynn Kerley, and his wife Lisa, of Vienna, IL 8 Grandchildren - Jamie & Stephanie Palmer Todd & Jenny Palmer Teresa & Chris Austin Gail & Neil Simmons Kara & Todd Walsh Stacy & Tim Webb Tracy & Jason Taylor Cory Huckleberry-Kerley 3 Step Grandchildren - Desiree Covey, Ashley Bowling, & Jared Bowling 13 Great Grandchildren - Garrett, Haylee, Brady, Brendan, Easton, Sydnie, Loren, Trey, Emma, Madison, Kassidy, Landon and Ty Ward was also expecting the birth of a great granddaughter in March 2010. 5 Step Great Grandchildren - Drew, Drake, Kaylee, Kenzy, & Dawson In addition to his Parents & Wife, Ward was preceded in death by: a Brother & Sister-In-Law - Wade & Wanda Kerley an Infant Brother - Aly Kerley Ward attended Simpson High School. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving in the European Theater of Operation during World War II. Ward was a Life Member of the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post. Ward was a member and Past Master of Gurney Masonic Lodge # 778 AF&AM. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge in Anna, IL. Ward worked as an operating engineer and was a 51 year member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local # 318 in Marion, IL from 1958-2009. Ward enjoyed gardening, 4 wheeling and spending time on his farm. A Masonic Service will be conducted Saturday afternoon, December 26, 2009, at 2 PM under the auspices of Gurney Masonic Lodge # 778 AF&AM. The Funeral Service will immediately follow the Masonic rites with Rev. David Faulkner officiating. Burial will be in the Glendale Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post and the Illinois Burial Honors Detail. Friends may call from 11 AM - 2 PM Saturday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorials may be made to the Glendale Cemetery Association, Charlotte Benard, R.R. 1, Box 192, Simpson, IL 62985 or to Hillview Health Care Center, 512 North 11th Street, Vienna, IL 62995.

Ward Kerley

August 12, 1922 - December 23, 2009