Charles R. Ward, 77, of Mendota died Nov. 30, 2008, in St. Anthony's Hospital, Rockford. Graveside services will be at a later date at Putnam Cemetery, Putnam County. Cremation rites were accorded. There will be no visitation. Arrangements were provided by Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota. Mr. Ward was born Aug. 4, 1931, in Spring Valley to William J. and Iva Mae ( H e n k i n s ) Ward. He married Eleanor Noy on May 10, 1953, in Henry. He worked at Heico in Mendota for 28 years before retiring in 1995. He served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a member of Mendota VFW Post 4079. He is survived by five daughters, Kimberly (Ernest) Winfree of Mendota, Sandra (Paul) Hampton of Mendota, Mildred Ward of Mendota, Lisa (Tony) Gordon of Gaffney, S.C., and Fay (William) Anness of Shelby, N.C.; two sons, Charles (Christy) Ward Jr. of Magnolia and William Ward of Gaffney; 19 grandchildren; and 11 greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife in 1993, one daughter in infancy, one grandchild, three sisters and one brother. Memorials may be directed to the family.