Nicholas R. Ward, 71, of Taylorville passed away at 1:52a.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital E.R. He was born on June 12, 1947 in Taylorville, the son of William and Emma (Smuck) Ward. He married Sandra D. Lawyer on November 10, 1972 in Edinburg. Nick was an Air Force Veteran having served during the Vietnam War. He retired from the Taylorville School District where he worked for many years as a custodian. Nick was extremely skilled with his hands, having worked several jobs including welding, steelworker, and maintenance at Georgia Pacific. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and woodworking. Nick enjoyed playing and coaching softball and also served as a coach for baseball and JFL, Boy Scout Leader, and Hunter Safety Instructor. He loved to read and study the bible and also enjoyed watching and reading westerns and listening to Elvis and Johnny Cash. Nick never knew a stranger and always enjoyed visiting with friends near and far. He was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church in Pana where he proudly served as an Ordained Deacon.

Nick is survived by his wife: Sandy Ward of Taylorville; sons: Scott Ward (Bobbi) of Stonington and Jared Ward (Stephanie Buchholz) of Taylorville; grandchildren: Quintin Ward, Allison Bell (Justin), Gabriel Shanks, Sophia Ward, Ashlynn Shanks, Jordan King, Lexie King, Bryce Jones, Izabella Brown, Seth Ward, and Christine Criswell; and brother: Bill Ward (Annette) of Finley. He was preceded in death by his parents, and son: Adam J. Ward.

The funeral service for Nick will be held at 11:00a.m. on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at the Hopewell Baptist Church (South Route 51, Pana) with Pastor John Largent officiating. Burial will take place at the Anderson Cemetery outside of Palmer. Visitation will be held from 5 until 7p.m. Wednesday at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville and from 10a.m. until 11a.m. Thursday in the church.

Memorials in Nicks honor may be left to the Hopewell Baptist Church Building Fund.

McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memories of Nick, or condolences to the family, may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.