The McWard Family
Mighty Oaks from Small Acorns Grow
Richard McWard
July 1, 1938 - October 31, 2022
McWard, Richard Alan (“Dick” or “Mac”), surrounded by family, passed away on Monday, October 31, 2022. Beloved husband of 61 years to Debbie, a relationship that began in high school at Glenbard High School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Loving father of Doug (Kathy), Greg (Laurie), Pat (Tina) and Phil (Sharon) and grandfather of Megan (McWard) Hansz, Matthew, Michael, Melissa, James, Gannon, Cole, Katie, Jack, and Anna McWard. Also brother of Carol (McWard) Layton and Marilyn (McWard) Pontious and cousin to many.
Born in Taylorville, Illinois, he maintained his roots in the fertile soil of Christian County. Dick graduated from the University Illinois in 1961 with a degree in agricultural economics. He joined Bunge corporation in 1963 when an office was opened in St. Louis with a staff of 10. He remained there until 2003 as it eventually became world headquarters for Bunge North America. Throughout his life he was involved with numerous agricultural organizations, often as a board member or president. Through these associations, he made life-long friends with whom he continued communicating on the state of farming.
Always a farmer at heart, Dick’s favorite “hobby” was managing the family farms. He was passionate that the land remains in the family and worked to make sure his sons would carry on. Tennis, and later, golf, were his real hobbies. He captained several USTA tennis teams to winning seasons, and a couple to national championship competition. A fun diversion was participating in ownership of racehorses for ten years. And he loved his dogs.
Dick and Debbie joined Manchester United Methodist Church in 1969 and were always active. For years few Christmas Eves went by without him obtaining ushers for the many services. He was rewarded in 1988 by being selected Manchester Methodist Men’s Man of the Year.
Annual McWard family reunions were the highlight of his summers, and he loved seeing the many cousins and their families stay in contact. Together, they established an investment club and maintain a website.
Services: Visitation will be Wednesday, November 9 from 4 until 8 at SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin. A memorial service will be Thursday, November 10 at 11:00 at Manchester United Methodist Church, 129 Woods Mill Road, Manchester, MO 63011. If desired Contributions may be made to the University of Illinois Foundation P.O. Box 734500, Chicago, IL 60673-4500, Fund #11331699, or Friendship Village Chesterfield (15201 Olive Blvd. Chesterfield, MO 63017): Employee Christmas Fund. Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.
