Keith Ward – Sesser, IL

Keith Ward, 84, of Sesser, passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2024.

Keith was born on June 22, 1939, in Du Quoin, IL, the son of Dr. William Harvey Ward and Irene (Cox) Ward.

He was a 1957 graduate of Goode-Barren Township High School (which later became Sesser-Valier High School).

Keith was a larger-than-life figure, never met a stranger, and throughout his lifetime he wore many hats. Keith worked as a coal miner, owned a car dealership, in Sesser, and served as the Franklin County Recycling Coordinator for more than 20 years.

On May 6, 1961, Keith married Leota “Lee” (Connor) Ward and they were married for 54 years, until her passing on February 18, 2016.

Keith was a lifelong resident of Sesser and took great pride in his community. He served for more than 50 years as a member of the Sesser Homecoming Association and was the emcee for more than three decades at the popular Sesser Homecoming Rend Lake Days, held annually in June at Miner’s Memorial Park, in Sesser. During his time as emcee he was known for his colorful clothing, quick wit and sometimes “corny” jokes.

A self-admitted “gear-head” Keith was one of the founding members of the Road Rebels, a local classic car enthusiast group that was formed in Sesser back in 1956. That group, at Keith’s urging and promotion, enjoyed a resurgence in the past decade. Keith was one of the organizers and driving forces behind the annual 4-Way Stop Car Show that is held in downtown Sesser each August. The event draws more than 200 classic cars each year to Sesser’s Main Street area. The event grew so large and popular in recent years that the intersection of Route 148 and Route 154 was shut down in downtown Sesser to accommodate the large crowd.

Keith was also heavily involved in Franklin County politics, serving as a Precinct Committeeman and working tirelessly for the Democratic Party. He also served as a trustee at the Rend Lake Conservancy District for more than 20 years and as secretary for all Franklin County Board committee meetings for more than 20 years.

Keith is survived by his children, Byron Ward, and wife Tonya, of Buckner, IL, Scott Ward, of Sesser, Brandi Ward, and significant other Kent Kellerman of Sesser and, special friend Sibyl Swinney. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Abbie Leigh Ward, Jordan Ward and Jered Benson and one great-grandchild, Briella Dayne Davis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter-in-law, Michelle Renee Ward, a brother, William Harvey Ward, Jr and a sister, Neva June (Ward) Coggins.

A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on May 18, 2024 at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, in Sesser with Jim Muir officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. The family invites all car enthusiasts to bring their cars to the visitation and funeral for display.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the 4-Way Stop Car Show or the Sesser Homecoming Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

A dinner and gathering for family and friends will be held at the Sesser VFW following the Celebration of Life Memorial service. Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.