George R. Ewald, 83, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Monday, February 19, 2024, at Oakview Nursing and Rehab, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born to Ralph W. and Emma “Evalyn” Ewald on December 11, 1940, in Mount Carmel.
George liked to fly and was an avid aviator, owning several airplanes. He had a variety of work experiences and opportunities. After school, he began working for Pacific Press and Shear in Mount Carmel. Since his father was a farmer, he left Pacific and was self-employed in farming and agribusiness. He later had the opportunity to work for Champion Laboratories in Albion, Illinois, where he worked for thirty-two years. While working at Champion Laboratories, he held several engineering positions, the most recent being General Manager of a plant he oversaw construction of in Saltillo, Mexico. George took early retirement and became road commissioner of road district #3 in Wabash County. He also owned and operated an online business selling filtration products. George was a life member of the Benevolent and Protective order of Elks, a life member of the Albion Moose Lodge, and a member of the Mount Carmel Eagles Aerie 3066. George was previously a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and the Southern Illinois Chamber of Commerce. George gave back to the community by serving on the Mount Carmel Airport board of directors, he organized and was President of the Mount Carmel Pilots Association. He served on the Southern Illinois Workforce Development Board, representing Wabash County. George will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
George leaves behind three sons, Gregory A. Ewald and wife Sarah of Saint Louis, MO, Christopher S. Ewald and wife Danielle of Mount Carmel, Michael L. Ewald and wife Rhonda of Newburgh, IN; grandchildren, Robert (Caroline) Ewald of Fairhope, AL, Andrew Ewald of Saint Louis, MO, Laura Ewald of Winston Salem, NC, Morgan (Matthew) McClelland of Albion, IL, Adrian Ewald of Findlay, OH, Kaitlyn Ewald of Newburgh, IN, Courtney Ewald of Newburgh, IN; one sister, Sue Neel; brothers-in-law, Carl Leetham, Jr., and Jack Kieffer; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
George was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Carol Ann Leetham, Mary Jane Kieffer; brother-in-law, Norman Neel.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Memorial Visitation from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 11, 2024, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home. A Private Family Graveside Service will immediately follow at Bethel Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in George’s memory to Wabash Rally Against Cancer and can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view George’s tribute wall and leave condolences for the Ewald family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
