Ward K. Blubaugh, 82, East Moline, passed away on Monday, February 17th, 2014 at the home of his daughter and son-in-law Debbie and Lamont Littlefield of Galesburg, IL. Memorial services are 1PM Thursday at Van Hoe Funeral Home Ltd., East Moline, with visitation from 11 AM until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Diabetes Association. Ward was born on June 23, 1931 in Geneseo, the son of Earl and Oliva (Fricke) Blubaugh. He graduated from Geneseo High School. Ward married Darlene Newberg on March 7, 1952 in East Moline. She died on November 4, 2008. Ward served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict achieving the rank of Corporal. He was a demolitions expert and was an MP, and spent time stationed in Japan. Ward had a zest for life and enjoyed new adventures. He was a private pilot, enjoyed boating and enjoyed landscaping his yard, especially growing roses and Irises. Mr. Blubaugh never met a stranger and loved to sing and entertain at local dances and nursing homes. He also belonged to the local Radio Controlled Airplane Club. Ward retired from the Moline Dispatch, having held positions as type setter to sales and everything in between. Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Lamont Littlefield, Galesburg, grandchildren, Danielle (Jason) Reid, Galesburg and Dana (John) O'Connor, Naperville, IL, great grandchildren, Bryce and Seth Reid and Liam O'Connor, sister-in-law, Bernadine (Jim) Snyder, Silvis and special friend, Lupe Olivarez, Rock Island. In addition to losing his wife, his son Mark died on November 11, 2013.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Ward K. Blubaugh, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.