Longtime Fairbury Banker, Mayor, and Community leader Homer Ward passes away at 92

FAIRBURY, Neb. — The Fairbury community is mourning the loss of a man whose leadership and service spanned more than five decades. Homer Leroy Ward, a longtime banker, three-term mayor, and devoted civic leader, passed away on February 14, 2025, at the age of 92.

From his early days on a family farm in Daykin to his years leading city government, Ward dedicated his life to bettering his community. A Korean War veteran, he was stationed along the Demilitarized Zone and received multiple service medals before returning home to embark on a lifetime of leadership.

After attending Fairbury Junior College and briefly studying at Kansas State University, Ward found his calling in business and public service. He built a successful career in banking, first at Fairbury State Bank, where he rose to executive vice president, and later at Union Bank, where he helped establish a new branch office. His work in the financial sector played a crucial role in Fairbury’s economic growth.

Ward’s civic involvement was extensive. Elected to the Fairbury City Council in 1961, he served as city treasurer before taking office as mayor in 2008. Over his three terms, he spearheaded efforts to improve city infrastructure, remove dilapidated buildings, and modernize utility services. His leadership was widely credited with bringing stability and growth to the city.

Beyond government, Ward was a tireless advocate for community development. He played key roles in the Fairbury Industrial Development Corporation, Fairbury Airport Authority, and numerous service organizations, including Rotary, Elks, and the Fairbury Chamber of Commerce. His contributions to local healthcare were equally significant, serving as president of Jefferson County Health and Life and leading efforts to expand assisted living facilities.

Ward was also known for his woodworking, crafting intricate bowls and wooden replicas of a 1950s-era Allis Chalmers tractor—tributes to his agricultural roots. Many of his pieces were auctioned for charity, reflecting his commitment to giving back.

He is survived by his wife, Maxine, their three children, Doug, Diane, and Dave, and five grandchildren.

A visitation will be held at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home on Sunday, February 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will take place at Fairbury Methodist Church on Monday, February 24, at 10:30 a.m., followed by burial at Fairbury City Cemetery with full military honors.

Ward’s family encourages those wishing to honor his memory to volunteer and invest in their communities—an act that would surely make him proud.