Steven K. Ward

Steven K. Ward, 63, of Swansea, IL, born October 5, 1960, in Murphysboro, IL, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2024 at St. Louis University Hospital in Saint Louis, MO.

Steven was the owner and operator of Ward Development Services in Swansea, IL. Steve was a record-setting track runner at Belleville West, earning him a scholarship to Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Prior to receiving his degree from Southern Illinois – Edwardsville, Steve promoted local musicians and worked in the peach orchard at Eckert’s, beginning his love for small, live shows and making homemade peach ice cream. As a civil engineer, he worked on private and public projects across the Metro East, varying from sewers and roadways, later expanding his practice to many subdivisions and countless telecommunications projects for major carriers across the country.

In his free time, Steve could be found walking his dog, watching the St. Louis Cardinals and Gibault Hawks baseball teams, helping friends and family with projects small or large, and combing beaches for perfect, miniature sea shells on Sanibel and Captiva Islands until he would catch the sunset at The Mucky Duck.

He was preceded in death by his:

• Parents: Walter B. and Mildred, nee Walton, Ward
• Brother: Richard Ward

Surviving are his:

• Son: August Ward of Freeburg, IL
• Brother: Scott (Kristie) Ward of Belleville, IL
• Sister-in-law: Cecelia Gast
• Nephew: Kevin (Elizabeth) Ward of Chicago, IL
• Nieces:
  • Shelly (Jeffrey) Eccles
  • Elizabeth Ward
  • Elaina Ward
• Great niece: Charlotte
• Former spouse: Michelle Ward of Waterloo, IL
• Beloved Great Pyrenees companion: Moxi

Memorials: Memorials in his honor may be made to the Belleville Area Humane Society.

Visitation: A Memorial Gathering will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.