HARRISBURG -- George W. Ewell, 79, passed away Sunday, July 16, 2017, at home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born July 28, 1937, in Saline County to Carl and Julia (Stricklin) Ewell. On April 27, 1957, he married Violet Loudene (Middleton) Ewell. They were blessed to celebrate 60 years of marriage on April 27, 2017.
George was a factory worker in Chicago for 14 years before moving back to his beloved hometown of Harrisburg. He retired from Harrisburg Community Unit 3 School District after 32 years of dedicated service as a custodian and head of maintenance. He worked at Harrisburg High School as well as the junior high and both grade schools.
He never met a stranger and made many friends throughout his years at Unit 3, including custodians, cooks, secretaries, teachers, administrators, students and salesmen. He was known for his dedication and leadership, his love of laughter, willingness to help and the rock candy he enjoyed handing out at Christmas. He always went the extra mile, including middle-of-the-night phone calls for an alarm at one of the schools or for the furnace that stopped working. He took it in stride and did his job.
George attended countless graduations, football and basketball games, wrestling matches and academic activities. He was there, sometimes front and center, insuring the activity went smoothly. He had a special place in his heart for the children. If a child forgot his lunch money, he was there to pay for the meal. He always said that he never had a bad class and they were all good kids.
He was so much more than his work. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother and friend. He was a great provider and teacher. He always encouraged his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to continue their education. He loved to garden and imparted that love of gardening to his great-grandchildren. He enjoyed planting a huge garden and sharing the food with others. He loved a good joke, even if it was on him.
In his leisure time, George enjoyed hunting, fishing at Ozee Landing and going to the casino. He loved cookouts and was always appointed to help fry the fish. He enjoyed riding the three-wheeler with his young granddaughter, Lisa, who lived in the family home and knew no fear of going down the big hills to keep up with Papa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Julia Ewell; brothers, Frank and Charles "Bud" Ewell; sister, Norma Headrick; and son, Steve Ewell.
Survivors include his wife, Violet Loudene; daughter, Debbie (John) Potts of Harrisburg; stepgrandchildren, Kristy and David; granddaughter, Lisa (Jack) Hurd of Harrisburg; great-grandchildren, Cassidy, Caleb and Grace; granddaughter, Stephanie (Jeff) Hall of Herrin; great-grandson, Carver; great-stepgrandchildren, Houston and Gage; and sister, Bonita Potts of Golconda.
Other survivors include a special niece and nephew, Dee Dee Droit of Galatia and Jim Sherrod of Marion, both of whom lived in the family home for a short period of time; special friends, Buck Agin and Ed Miller, both of whom were more like brothers than friends; and numerous other nieces, nephews, family members and friends.
In the words of his family, "His passing leaves a huge hole in our hearts until we meet again."
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 22, in Felty Funeral Home in Carrier Mills with the Rev. Steve Shea officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 21, at the funeral home.
Donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois.
