George Ed Ward was born December 21, 1941 in Reece, KS to Mildred L. Ward and Edward W. Ward. He attended schools in Utopia, Tonovay and Severy, Kansas where he graduated High School. He worked at several jobs until he joined the Army in 1963. During that time, he was stationed in S. Korea and worked 4 miles from the DMZ as a radar repairman. He returned stateside in 1966 to Fort Carson, Colorado where he met his wife, Mary. They were married July 14, 1967 in Security, Colorado.
They made their home In Wichita, Kansas and George became the first pilot for a new air service, ASI Services. The company grew and expanded to become the commuter airline, Air Midwest. In 1973, the family moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado where George worked as an electronic technician for Hewlett Packard. While there, he installed sound, electrical and phone systems for a newly built church they were attending. Two of the children, Kate and Daniel were born during that time.
The family returned to Wichita, Kansas in 1977 and George managed the newly organized avionics shop for Air Midwest. In 1979, their youngest son, Philip was born.
In the early 90’s, Air Midwest was bought out causing George to lose his job. George formed his own business and began commuting to Springfield, Missouri working in avionics, ferrying aircraft around the world and flying on-demand air charters for Worldwide Aircraft. His last endeavors were to maintain radio transmission equipment for small airports around Kansas until his health forced him to retire.
During the last 2 years of his life, George was bed-fast and passed away Nov. 24th in the VA Hospice.
George is survived by his wife Mary, oldest daughter Kate, son Dan and wife Ashley along with their children Andrew and Allie and youngest son Philip and wife Tiffany.
There will be a viewing Friday, December 6th from 6-8 PM, at Resthaven Mortuary. The Funeral will take place at 2PM, Saturday the 7th at Asbury United Methodist Church located at 15th St. and St. Paul.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be sent to Visiting Angels Home Care of Wichita.
