Lawrence “Larry” James McWard, 81, of Morrisonville, died at Taylorville Care Center on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 21, at 2 p.m., at Morrisonville Cemetery.
Mr. McWard was born on July 12, 1944, in Taylorville, to the late Clarence A. and Velma E. (Klingler) McWard. On Aug. 7, 1966, he met his help mate, Connie Sue (Braye) McWard, at the First Baptist Church of Morrisonville. They spent many beautiful years together and were blessed with five children.
He graduated from Morrisonville High School with the class of 1962. He excelled academically and continued his education and obtained a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, a master’s degree from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville and finished his education with a doctorate degree from The Ohio State University. Following his schooling, he began his lifelong career as a college professor. He and his family traveled throughout his career as he taught at Nokomis, Vandalia, Florida State University and finally at Western Illinois University where he happily retired from years later.
Faith was important to Mr. McWard and the First Baptist Church of Morrisonville always held a special place in his heart. He enjoyed reading and collecting tools. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and a proud grandfather. He cherished the time spent amongst his family and leaves them with many fond memories.
He is survived by his wife, Connie McWard of Morrisonville; children, James (Christy) McWard of Kansas City, MO, Kelly (Craig) Beason of Naples, FL, Kimberly (Dave) Farr of Lincoln, NE, Kendra (Glenn) Winham of Minneapolis, MN, and Kerry McWard-Newstrom of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren, Andrew McWard, Alex, McWard, Chloe Beason, Lucabella Beason, Katie Beason, Zacary Beason, Evan Farr, Colin Farr, Owen Farr and Grant Winham; brother, Lyle McWard (Shirley Steele) of Decatur; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
Mr. McWard was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald McWard and Harold McWard in infancy; sisters, Irma Bryan, Betty Ward and Juanita Harvey; father-in-law, Mervin Braye; mother-in-law, Betty (Engelhart) Braye and nephew, Michael Ward.
Memorials may be made to Christian County Animal Control or to First Baptist Church of Morrisonville.
