George W. Garrard, 83, passed away in Ennis on April 27, 2013. G.W. was born in Nacogdoches, Texas on November 1, 1929, to Allen V. and Ruth Gates Garrard. He graduated from Nacogdoches High School in 1947 and Stephen F. Austin University in 1955, where he earned a degree in Agriculture. He served proudly in the U.S. Army in the Korean Conflict. In 1955, he started his career with the USDA as a Soil and Water Conservationist in Ennis, where he assisted land owners and farmers in Ellis County. He retired after 30 years of service. G.W. married Agnes Ann Honza on February 9, 1957, and Ennis has been their home. Before retirement, G.W. was involved in Boy Scouts, serving as a Cub Master and on Special Achievement Committees, where he assisted young men in achieving various merit badges. He also taught Junior High Boys Sunday School classes at Tabernacle Baptist Church for 20 years. Two of his students became family members: son-in-law Lance Ueberroth and nephew Bobby Penrod. He enjoyed taking his classes on hunting outings, fishing trips, and cook outs. After retirement, his joy was going out to their acreage in Kaufman County, tending to his garden and horses. Many family outings, trail rides, birthday parties, and church socials were held there. He was a longtime member of Tabernacle Church and later joined Cowboy Church of Ennis. He was a member of NARFE Chapter 1191 (National Active and Retired Federal Employees), serving as president and Public Relations Chairman. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Agnes; daughters: Amy and husband Jim Easter of Burleson and Gayle and husband Lance Ueberroth of Ennis (Telico); three grandchildren: Adam Chavoya, Ethan Chavoya and Rebecca Chavoya; sister, Nita Weatherby of Lufkin; brother, Allen T. Garrard and wife, Judy of Granbury and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Rick Chavoya; grandson, Aaron Chavoya; sister and brother-in-law, Dixie and Gene Burns of Nacogdoches; brother-in-law , Rankin Weatherby of Lufkin. Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis. A Celebration of his life will take place on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 10 a.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary Chapel with Rev. Michael Howard and Rev. Richard Moody officiating. Pallbearers will be Adam Chavoya, Ethan Chavoya, Thomas Garrard, Larry Young, Raymond Honza, Jr., and Ronnie Honza. Honorary pallbearers will be Rudy Millard and Paul Whitten. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Cowboy Church of Ennis or Old North Church of Nacogdoches. The family would like to thank the nurses and CNa’s of IOOF and Family First Hospice, whose care and compassion went above and beyond the call of duty in caring for G.W. May God Bless you all. www.jekeevermortuary.com
