Ira Eugene Ewing, Sr.

In Loving Memory

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ira Eugene Ewing, Sr. aka “Ira Gene” or “Ike” at the age of 91.  He earned his wings Sunday morning, January 26, 2025 in Moberly, MO.  He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.  He had a contagious smile, quiet yet mild demeanor, which accompanied a big loving heart.  Ira enjoyed barbecuing, spending time with family, listening to the blues and old school music, outdoors, hunting and especially fishing.  He was a huge fan of a variety of sports including college basketball, football, and watching his #1 NFL teams, LA Rams, and KC Chiefs.

Ira was born April 20, 1933, the son of the late Mary Alice (Hayes) Washington and Clarence Ewing in Salisbury, MO, but was raised with his mother and late stepfather, George Washington in Moberly, MO.  

In 1951, he graduated from Lincoln High School of Moberly.  He later enlisted into the United States Army in 1953, in which he served two years during the Korean War time period. He had a fulfilling career with Norfolk and Western Railroad, where he was employed for 39 1/2 years.  He was a long-time member of Second Missionary Baptist Church in Moberly, in which he served on the Usher Board and sung in the Men’s Chorus.  He received the George Washington Carver Achievement Award for his participation in the Moberly AM Legion - Central MO Negro Baseball League (1950-1957).  Ira was also a long-time member and obtained the status of ‘Master Mason’ within the Prince Hall Freemasonry organization.

Preceded in his death, three Aunts, Lena Belle (Hayes) Clay, Verbenna Hayes, and Bethenna “Cookie” (Hayes) Taylor; a total of five uncles, James Ira Hayes, Lesile Hayes, Charles A. Hayes, and two affectionally known as “Chicken” and “Slow”; sister, Edna (Ewing) Wynn; and one daughter, Ollie Jean Edwards.

Ira is survived by his loving wife of 52 years of marriage, Ethel M. Ewing; six children, Robert (Cheryl) Boone (MO), Tina Ewing (MN)  and Ira E. Ewing, Jr. (GA), Richard Logan (TX), Audra Miller (MO), Siporia Roseman (TX), and a host of grand and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Words of comfort and support were shared with the family at a visitation held, at the Cater Funeral Home Chapel, followed by a Masonic Service and Funeral services honoring and celebrating Ira's life.    Military Honors, committal prayer and burial took place at the Memorial Park Cemetery.