Kenneth Michael "Mickey" Govar

Kenneth Michael Govar, "Mickey," died on March 12, 2013 at Columbus Hospice House. He was 66 years young. A celebration of life service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, March 16, 2013 at Lake Heath Park (Windsor Drive at Datchet Lane) with Rev. Gary Hartman officiating. A private interment will be held in Parkhill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at McMullen Funeral Home, 3874 Gentian Blvd., Columbus, Ga. Mr. Govar was born February 27, 1947 in Little Rock, Arkansas, the son of the late Jesse Winfred and Mary Johnson Govar. He was a Director of Risk Management Services for J. Smith Lanier & Co. and was a Graduate of University of Central Arkansas, Conway, Ark. with a Bachelors Degree in Science. He began his career as a safety engineer in 1970 and worked tirelessly in roles with increasing responsibility until 2013. He was issued numerous awards, the latest being the recipient of the Edith Lanier Wickham Award. He had served in the National Guard. He lived in Little Rock, Ark. until moving to Columbus, Ga. in 1999. His favorite activities included gardening, woodworking and fishing. He enjoyed caring for one of Columbus' local park, Lake Heath Park and was an avid fisherman. Many lasting memories were made fly fishing in Arkansas and taking trips on his boat with his children and grandchildren. Mickey never met a stranger, and random acts of kindness added to his generous spirit. He shared his time and talent with family, friends, and neighbors, often serving as a knight in shining armor and considered a jack of all trades. Survivors include his wife; Jayne Meadows Govar of Columbus, Ga., three sons, Daniel Govar of Catonsville, Md., Clint Justin Govar(Lori) of Fredericksburg, Va., Michael Govar (Stephanie) of Columbus, Ga., three brothers, Jesse Govar of North Little Rock, Ark., Robert Govar of New Bern, N.C., John Govar of Nashville, Tenn., one sister, Mary Wood of North Little Rock, Ark., six grandchildren, Matthew, Anne Marie, Andrew, Ethan, Nicholas, Sophie and several nieces and nephews. Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com.