Ward Gregory "Greg" Felton Jr.

Ward Gregory Felton, Jr. was born September 2, 1943. Greg passed away on October 28, 2022 at the Rock County Hospital in Bassett, NE. In 1946 Greg and his older sister Martha were adopted by Ward and Vonda (Slater) Felton. Greg spent his childhood living on the ranch north of Newport, NE. The Felton family moved from the ranch to Lincoln, NE when Greg was 12 years old.
During high school at Lincoln High Greg was a two-time letter winner in gymnastics before graduating in 1962. Shortly after graduation Greg got married. To this union two daughters, Shelly and Lisa, were born.
In his twenties, Greg worked various jobs in the workforce until finding his niche in the floor covering industry. He continued as an installer, salesman, and assistant manager throughout his working career, being one of the most knowledgeable and best around.
In 1975 Greg became a follower of Jesus and loved to share his faith with everyone he came into contact with. His big heart for sharing Jesus would even lead to him picking up a hitch hiker or two and giving them a place to stay for the night.
In 1976 Greg married Joan (Pester) from Lincoln, NE, gaining a daughter, Suzy and a son, Rod. Greg liked to play all kinds of games, from board games to cards, maybe even some hide and seek with all the lights out-one of the kids favorites.
Greg enjoyed numerous activities such as hunting turkeys, fly fishing, softball, golfing, and basketball. He also loved his Husker athletics, especially gymnastics, football, and volleyball.
Greg loved the Sandhills and being near the area of his childhood. He loved to help his son-in-law Russ, with harvesting as well as seeing all the cattle. In 1997, Greg and Joan had the opportunity to return to the Sandhills, opening a bed and breakfast in Ainsworth, NE. Joan ran the bed and breakfast full time, while Greg continued in floor covering.
Greg was known to be generous and always kind and caring. He loved being a grandpa and his grandchildren loved all the stories he would tell, especially the stories told in his Donald Duck voice. He was affectionately called Grampy and always wanted to keep track of what the grandkids were up to, especially after they were grown.
Greg was fortunate that, later in life, he was able to find and reconnect with his siblings and family that he never knew when he was young.
Greg developed Parkinson's Disease, which forced him into retirement. During this time, he enjoyed visiting people in the nursing home, playing cards with them, and he even taught a men's Bible study there. Greg continued to live at home until 2021, when his health required him to move to long-term care in Bassett, NE. In long term care he continued to enjoy bible studies and visiting people.
Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Ward and Vonda Felton, and his siblings Jackie, Fred and Martha.
Left to mourn his loss, Greg's wife of 46 years, Joan; daughters, Shelly (Brian) Davis of Lincoln, NE; Lisa (Joe) Shreve of Stanton, NE; Suzy (Russ) Wentworth of Springview, NE; son, Rod (Cheri) Felton of Grand Island, NE; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, nieces, nephews and many friends.


A Memorial Service was held on Friday, November 4, 20220 at the Ainsworth. Evangelical Free Church and was officiated by Pastor Charles Kieffer. Dr Vern Steiner gave the eulogy, with the obituary and special remarks given by grandson, Tony Wentworth.. Musical arrangements were conducted by Mr. and Mrs. Greg Bartsch leading the congregational hymns of “I Love To Tell The Story” and “It Is Well With My Soul.” The CD Selections of “What a Friend We Have In Jesus” and “When We All Get To Heaven” by Alan Jackson were also played. A Private Family Inurnment followed in the Willowdale Cemetery near Newport, NE. Memorials were suggested to the Rock County Hospital Long Term Care or to the Evangelical Free Church in Greg’s name. Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth was in charge of arrangements and condolences may by left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com . .