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Richard McWard Obituary
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 lifelong 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 online guestbook at Schrader.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard McWard
The Wilsons
September 27, 2023
Thank you for all your and Debbie's friendship to the Wilsons over the years. - Lin and family
Dwight Price
January 5, 2023
Saddened to hear of Dick's passing. Dick hired me to work at Bunge in 1983 and I worked for him there for probably 5-6 years. I appreciated the chance that Dick gave me to work there and I have fond memories working with Dick and the other merchandisers on the trading floor. It was definitely an experience! My deepest condolences to the McWard family.
Bret Cude
November 16, 2022
I met Dick thru the St. Louis AgBusiness Club, and several years later, following him as Pres. He was always very friendly and outgoing. A pleasure to visit with and discuss agriculture. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and offer prayers and support to the family. He was one of a kind and will be missed!
Jim Hershey
November 15, 2022
My condolences to the wide reaching McWard family. I got to know Dick through my role at American Soybean Association International Marketing in the 1990s and through the ensuing years (an issues) in Agriculture. A keen intellect, proud Illinois soybean farmer and agribusiness leader (Bunge, St. Louis Agribusiness Club and community) Dick was a tireless networker. I learned a lot from Dick and am sorry to have missed the visitation and service. Count me among the many that will miss him!!
Ken Morrison
November 11, 2022
I'm so sorry to learn of Dick's passing. I was privileged to have met him over 40 years ago through the grain business when I was with Cargill. We shared interests in grain markets and horse racing; Dick was a valued subscriber to my market letter for the past 15 years. Dick was my 'go to' guy when I had questions about crop production, a positive role model, and will be missed.
Jean Jackson
November 10, 2022
Please extend my sympathy to Debbie and family. Dick hired me for my first "official" job out of college. I learned a lot from him at Bunge. RIP
Matthew Frein
November 10, 2022
Very sad to hear of Mac passing. He was a great positive influence in a dark period of my life. Will miss him greatly.
Tom Miller
November 10, 2022
worked for many years in the marine dept. Dick was a tough business man but fair in all aspects
prayers for his family during this difficult time
Chaplain Burt Campbell
November 10, 2022
My heartfelt prayers are with all of you during this time.
Ray and Joyce Smith
November 9, 2022
Dick was a warm and friendly presence around church for so many years and always made us feel welcome. Our sympathies Debbie and family as you celebrate his life.
Tom Ryan
November 9, 2022
I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a great dad as evidenced by your wonderful children and grandchildren.
Mary Vassar
November 9, 2022
Dick was a valued and respected member of the St. Louis tennis community. Many times I would reach out for his opinion on league matters, knowing it would be fair and thoughtful. He was a great sport and a true gentleman. He will be missed.
Bob Spindel
November 9, 2022
Very sorry to learn of Dick’s passing. I know he will be missed & remembered by
family & many friends. I enjoyed knowing Dick for quite a few years & considered him a good friend with a great sense of humor that I will miss.
John Bauer
November 9, 2022
Good friend and neighbor ... Mac and Debbie made Glan Tai one of the best communities in which to live. Our neighborhood dog walks with Mac and his beloved "Penny" and I with "Rooney" will always be remembered with fond memories.
Ronald M. Scott
November 9, 2022
My condolences to Debbie and Dick´s entire family. I played on Dick´s USTA tennis teams. He was a great captain and friend. He will truly be missed.
Ron Scott
Craig Sandvig
November 8, 2022
Deb—Sorry for the loss of your husband. The two of you contributed mightily to the tennis community in St. Louis. Take care.
Jayashree Rajan
November 7, 2022
Dear Matt, We are deeply sorry for the loss that your family has experienced with the loss of your grandfather. Please accept our sincere and heart felt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time.
Jayashree and the Digital Marketing Team
Doug Schultz
November 7, 2022
Dick, hired me to work for him at Bunge/STL in 1981 and i did so through 1986. I always found him straightforward, although sometimes more than I preferred, but also of great integrity and good humor. 40+ years later I'm proud to say we were good friends and I count him as a man I admire and and thank for being the type of mentor that made so many of us better men and women. We spent much time talking about industry matters, farming and horses all passions we shared. But also much time catching up on old friends. A passion Dick had that I admire him for. My sympathy to Debbie and the family. I will miss his calls. They don't make many Dick McWards any longer
Matt Amick
November 7, 2022
I met Dick through the St. Louis Agribusiness Club. He was involved for many years. When I was in charge of planning our biennial tour of St. Louis agribusiness industry with Congressional staff, Dick was always very helpful with connections and advice. I appreciated him very much and his contributions to the St. Louis agriculture community. He will be missed!
Erica Fields
November 7, 2022
Dick was always a friend and mentor to me in the industry. He knew my father, Brooks Fields well, and when I entered the industry in 1976 he was always there to help. Dick taught me a lot and I will always be grateful. He was the epitome of what I had been taught in the grain business. Integrity, constructive competition and relationship. I cherish all the memorable times I spent with him and am so sorry to hear of his passing. My heart goes out to his wife Debbie, sister Carol Layton and the rest of his family.
Karen Cooke Lundgren
November 7, 2022
My favorite childhood memories were of growing up with McWard´s being our next door neighbors. Doug, Greg, Kevin and myself spending hours playing basketball, kick-the-can and sleighing down our steep front yards. No
there was no dog at that time, only Sugar the cat.
Mrs McWard, Doug, Greg, Pat and Phil, please know that you are in my prayers. Love, Karen Cooke Lundgren
Milt King
November 6, 2022
Dick’s passing brings back many fond memories of friendship, tennis at Castle Oaks with Dick, and two trips to USTA tennis nationals as a part of Dick’s teams. And it was enlightening to talk about the farms, our sons (each had a son named Greg) and life in general.
Brent Babb
November 6, 2022
Thoughts to the family. I remember Dick as gentleman and professional as knew through his time at Bunge and activities in the soy industry. He was one of the first people I got to know in the industry and was always willing to share insight and advice.
Mike O'Neil
November 6, 2022
I knew Dick through tennis at "the Dawson court" and Woods Mill. Always enjoyed playing with him and enjoying a beer with him after. I want to let his family know that he was kind and thoughtful man who supported me through my wife's illness of recent years.
John Callihan
November 6, 2022
We knew Dick McWard for 47 years. I played on many teams where Dick was the captain. In later years we played many rounds of golf and attended the horse races where Dick was an owner. He was a leader with many friends who, like me, will miss him.
Diane Hanekamp
November 6, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. He was a true gentleman. Tough but fair in business, with a wealth of experience to back him up, Dick was gracious, and went out of his way to be kind to a young (now old) grain merchandiser for these many years. I so enjoyed seeing him at Agribusiness Club events. He was a lovely man who will be missed.
Ken and Corrine Thompson
November 4, 2022
We remember Dick as a very nice man and enjoying talking to him at church.
jack ullemeyer
November 4, 2022
Very saddened by Dick's passing. We have lost a truly inspirational leader, friend and Fraternity Brother. Deeply regret not continuing at the U of Illinois [KK] after 1957, so I never had the chance to fully experience Dick's enlightened view of his surroundings and his numerous great successes. Sincerest sympathy to Dick's friends and Family. All Honor to His Name. In Hoc --- JWU KK 1959
Dean Williams
November 4, 2022
I knew Dick almost exclusively via tennis, and we were always on the opposite ends of the net. He was the co-captain of the 2005 team out of Chesterfield Athletic Club which defeated our team in the deciding match of the St. Louis District Championship tournament-----a match which featured four of the five courts decided in third set tiebreaks----and which ended in favor of Dick's team 3-2. In the final court to end that day, a player on Dick's team fought off a championship match point and then won the next two points to secure the championship 11-9 in that tiebreak. Dick was a very gracious winner that day, and always, and guided that very same team to victory in the Missouri Valley sectional tournament, and later to a third place finish in the USTA national tournament! Quite a feat indeed. Always a friendly guy, and a fun person to see and with whom to talk tennis, Dick was a valuable asset to the tennis community, and to the St. Louis community. Condolences to our wonderful neighbors Doug and Kathy and all of the rest of Dick's family on the loss of a great man. He will be greatly missed.
Dr. Frederick A Ruecker
November 3, 2022
This the saddest thing that I have heard this year. I had no idea that he was sick. Mac was a fantastic neighbor and good friend for many years. My deceased wife Carol and I spent many times at his and Debbie's house enjoying a before dinner drink and then going out to eat. He could always be available to help me when I needed some extra muscle at my home. He and Debbie were among the first neighbors Carol and I met when we moved in to the subdivision in 1979. The last time I talked to him was this year when stopped as I was walking my dog. He will be sorely missed and my hearfelt sympathy goes out to Debbie and his family
dave foshee
November 2, 2022
Dick was a good friend. I enjoyed knowing him.
Dave Foshee
Lois Frazee
November 2, 2022
Sorry to hear about Dick. Enjoyed working with him at Walter Lynn’s office.
Verl Buchanan
November 2, 2022
Dick would always stop at my office on his way to Galena in the Fall. Great guy and it was a pleasure to know him
Tom Murray
November 2, 2022
Sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. His work ethic and character were great examples for the generations of grain traders he worked with at Bunge.
Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results
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Memorial Events
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Nov
9
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory - Ballwin14960 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011
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Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory - Ballwin14960 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011
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