Mr. George Edward Ward Sr.

Our beloved, George Edward Ward Sr., of Peoria, IL passed away Sunday, August 6, 2023, in his family home surrounded by his family. George was born November 6, 1930, in Jackson, Mississippi to the late Earlean Willie Thomas and Lawrence Dunbar Ward. He was 92 years old. George was born in Jackson, Mississippi, but left at the age of 12 years old one night with a ‘gunny sack’ on his back heading for a better life in the North. As a teenager, while attending Central High School, he fell in love with a pretty, young girl named Adlean Sledge. After courting her, he asked for her hand in marriage. Since she was only 14 years old, Grandfather Sledge wouldn’t approve of their marriage until she turned 16. On November 6, 1948, on his 18th birthday, he married his 16-year-old sweetheart. From that union, they had had 13 children in total. While being one of the original ‘Peoria Heights’ dads, he was a dedicated craftsmen at Caterpillar Tractor in East Peoria for over 36 years. A ‘Master’ of all trades, George was self-taught and had a laundry list of machinery that he learned to operate over the years, ‘Bobcats, Forklifts, Tandem trucks, Backhoes, and Dump trucks. Due to his extensive skill-base, he was promoted into a Sr. Foreman position at Caterpillar. During this same time, he and his childhood sweetheart and wife of 35 years, Adlean Ward, created and operated a successful landscaping company called Big Al’s Landscaping for more than 25 years. The company was lovingly named after her by their kids. Together, they were able to bid and acquire some of the largest minority landscaping contracts in Peoria. After retiring from Caterpillar and closing his landscaping business, he devoted his full time to maintaining a select few customers. One of those being Simons Mortuary. His knowledge of flowers, grass, greenery and design always provided a beautiful view when approaching Simons. Their long-lasting friendship spans over 30 years. Even after retiring from landscaping altogether, he still provided his expertise when training the new landscaping staff. His passion for spending time in nature and loving the outdoors included activities like camping, fishing, hunting and growing large vegetable gardens. George always took such pride in maintaining one of the best yards in the neighborhood, with endless flowers and flowerbeds to ensure it made his wife smile. He was dearly loved and respected throughout Peoria and Peoria Heights. Those who knew him were very familiar with his fun-loving sense of humor. Having everyone laughing and bringing humor was his main goal. Over the years, George gained notoriety wherever he went. Whether he was at the grocery store, Peoria Heights Bank or showing everyone a great time at the Paradise casino, he was filling the place with laughter and jokes. Those left to cherish his memory are two daughters Diane Irving of Lewisville, TX, Robin (Clifford) Lindsay of Charlotte, NC, three sons George Ward, Jr., Brian (Denaria)Ward both of Peoria and Gregory Ward of Charlotte, NC. He was blessed with 10 grandchildren (Katrice Briggs, Laraba Lintz, John Irving Jr., Brandon Parker, Tenesha Farmer, Jason Ward, Dominique (Brandon) Highsmith, Gabrielle Lindsay, Nakeia Bennett and Samantha Ward as well as a host of great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Adlean, parents, brother Eugene Powell, one sister Mary Emma Powell, seven daughters Donna Ward, Jacqueline Ward, Crystal Ward, Beth Ann Ward, Deborah Cunningham, Paula Ward, and Suzane Parker and one son Lawrence. Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Simons Mortuary with a visitation one hour prior beginning at 9 am. Overseeing Elder Richard Sommer will bring words of comfort to the family. George will be laid to rest at the Historic Springdale Cemetery, next to his beloved wife, Adlean. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.

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Mr. George Edward Ward Sr.

November 6, 1930 - August 6, 2023