Dateline: Godfrey

Bruce Dale Ward, 77, died at 9:43 a.m. Saturday, September 14, 2019 at Jersey Community Hospital. Born August 31, 1942 in Alton, he was the son of Harold W. and Jennie (Jackson) Ward. Bruce retired from the maintenance department at the Shriner's Children's Hospital in St. Louis, MO and was a member of Word and Spirit Church in Alton. He was a member of the Shipman Masonic Lodge #212, a Shriner and a longtime volunteer fireman in Alton and Fosterburg. He was the Assistant Chief and instrumental in forming the Fire Department in Fosterburg. On November 5, 1980 he married the former Marylin McHatton in Alton. She preceded him in death on May 17, 2013. Surviving is his life partner, Valerie Furlow of Godfrey, two daughters, Sherrie Brooks (David) of Fosterburg and Christy Steele of Gillespie. Also surviving is a great granddaughter who was like a daughter to him, Savannah Scott of Godfrey, a special niece, Brenda Jackson (Danny) of Godfrey, a sister, Sandy Vera (Ralph) of Texas, as well as numerous grand children and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Along with his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a special grandfather, Clarence Ward, a son, Keith Dale Ward and a son-in-law, Martin Steele. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until a Masonic Service at 10:45 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Reverend David Burger will officiate. Burial will be at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto. Memorials may be made to Shriner's Hospital's for Children. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com