George Edward Ward, Jr., of Byhalia Mississippi, passed away from this life Thursday July 16, 2020. He was 80 years old. George was born April 21, 1940 in Inkster North Dakota to George Edward Ward, Sr. and Marie Hosna Ward.
At the age of one, George moved with his family to Larimore, North Dakota where he was raised. In 1959, George graduated from Larimore high school where he had met his sweetheart Janet Stromswold. George and Janet were married on Valentine’s Day, 1959, and remained married more than 61 years. George and Janet had two children, Mardell (Mardi) and Quentin.
While still in Larimore, George worked construction in the Minuteman Missiles and Road building. He joined the Operating Engineers in 1961 and remained a life member. In 1967, George went to Vietnam as a civil servant heavy equipment operating instructor. Janet and his children remained in McCanna, North Dakota until George returned, July 1968.
In 1969, George and his family left North Dakota to begin a journey with George working around the Southern United States as a heavy equipment operator and later becoming a mechanic specializing in paving equipment. George’s employment took the family to Nashville, Michigan in 1971 where they remained for thirteen years. After the children were grown, George and Janet traveled in their motorhome. In 2000, they settled in Byhalia Mississippi while George continued to work, mostly in Missouri, until he retired in December 2013. George enjoyed having his family around him and working on his old tractors. He was a member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran church.
Along with his parents, George was preceded in death by two sisters Marilyn Anderson and Patty Ward. He is survived by his wife Janet Stromswold Ward, daughter Mardi Holm (Jerry), son Quentin Ward (Denyse), six grandchildren: Ashley Holladay (Jason), Tyler Holm, Tanner Holm, Emily Ward, John Ward, Ali Donnelly (Frank), and three great-grandchildren: Lily, Kenny, and Ruby.
Memorial Services will be 10:00am Thursday, July 23, 2020 at Brantley Funeral Home with a catered reception to follow.
