George W. Ewell

George W. Ewell, 79 of Harrisburg passed away Sunday, July 16, 2017 at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 28, 1937 in Saline County to the late 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, Illinois for 14 years before moving back to his beloved hometown of Harrisburg. He retired from the 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 Jr. 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 the 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. He 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 their lunch money, he was there to pay for their meal. He always said, he never had a bad class, 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, he 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 and step-grandchildren Kristy and David, granddaughter Lisa (Jack) Hurd of Harrisburg and great grandchildren Cassidy, Caleb and Grace, granddaughter Stephanie (Jeff) Hall of Herrin, great grandson Carver, step great-grandchildren Houston and Gage and a Sister, Bonita Potts of Golconda. He is also survived by 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. He is survived by special friends Buck Agin and Ed Miller, both of whom were more like a brother than a friend. He leaves numerous other nieces, nephews, family members and friends. His passing leaves a huge hole in our hearts until we meet again. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 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 PM Friday, July 21, 2017 at Felty funeral Home. Donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois.