William "Rusty" Ward

William Russell “Rusty” Ward Jr., 61, of Marion, passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family, after a valiant battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Christian Life Church in Herrin, with Pastor Lori Burchell officiating. Burial will be in Davis Prairie Cemetery in rural Marion. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Saturday, at the church.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Cops and Kids Fund.  

Rusty was born January 25, 1963, in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, to Marda Sue (Vancil) and William Russell “Snooky” Ward Sr. He married Lori A. Ferguson on August 26, 2000, at Crab Orchard Boat & Yacht Club.

He is survived by his wife, Lori Ward; children, Gavin (Kristi) Ward, Andy (Rachel) Ward, and Maegan Ward; grandchildren, Keith Clark, Madison Clark, Weston Ward, Adalynn Dixon, Jacob Ward, and Macee Ward; siblings, Lori (John) Gelgut, Michael (Carrie) Ward, and Danielle Clark; mother-in-law, Ann Ferguson; brothers-in-law, Scott (Dianna) Ferguson, and Kevin (Lori) Ferguson; many aunts and uncles plus numerous nieces and nephews; his beloved dogs, Sarge and Bitsy and the famous fox, Loki; special friends and their families, Carl Threlkeld, Jim Webb, David Dorris, Todd Lindsey, Sal Tomas, Karl Gusentine, Chris Fozzard, Mike Winkler, Randy Charles, and Robert Bradley; and all his Law Enforcement brothers and sisters.

Rusty was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, Jerry Ferguson.

Rusty first worked as a coal miner at Burning Star #5 Coal Mine. He began his lengthy law enforcement career with the Energy Police Department. Rusty then served with the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office for over 25 years, until his retirement in 2020. In this time, Rusty served as a Patrol Deputy, Field Training Officer, Sheriff’s Auxiliary Supervisor, Detective, and lastly as Patrol Sergeant. Recently, Rusty was serving with the Herrin Police Department.

Rusty was quite the pool shark who enjoyed woodworking, and traveling, especially camping trips.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police as well as the Buccaneers Club in Johnston City.

Rusty was a loving and supportive father, always there for his family. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family and giving those precious grandbabies tractor rides.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William "Rusty" Ward, please visit our floral store.