George Joseph Barbier

George J. Barbier (age 100), a WW II US Navy Veteran, of Houston Texas, passed away on December 22, 2022. He was born November 5, 1922, in Plattenville, Louisiana, George was preceded in death by his parents, Elphege Jean Barbier and Claire Marie Aucoin Barbier, his wife Barbara (Carole) Smith Barbier, three brothers, Joe, Wallace, and Lee and three sisters, Mamie, Mary Ann, and Ruby (Pete), two nieces Joyce Streng, Claire (Betty) Hovelman, and one nephew Kenny Barbier. George leaves behind five nephews Alan, Robert, Don, Elphege (Pat), and Wallace Barbier and lots of great nieces and nephews, and dear friend Janet Micklos.

George came to Texas with his family when he was only 5 years old, he did not speak English so his early years in school were very difficult but eventually with the help of his older brothers and sisters he graduated from Milby High School Houston TX, June 15, 1941, the next day joined the US Navy June 16, 1941. After boot camp in San Diego, CA he was assigned to the USS Louisville (Lady Lou), a Hampton Class Cruiser. He was in the 3rd Division as an Apprentice Seaman. He remained in the 3rd Division, turret 3 as the gun sight operator for the duration of the WW II. In less than 4 years while on the USS Louisville George was awarded 13 Stars for major conflicts in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre and 2 Stars for the Philippines Liberation. The USS Louisville was hit by enemy fire on 3 different occasions sustaining enough damage that the ship had to be dry docked for repairs. George was Honorably Discharged as a Gunners Mate 1st Class on December 9, 1945. His first job offer from the Department of Labor was back to sea as a Merchant Marine, he turned that job down he had enough sea duty. His first civilian job was with Arrow Mills/Continental Gain Company in 1946. He joined Trans Texas Airways in 1953 and retired from Texas International Airlines/Continental Airlines in 1983. George had several hobbies one of which was being a rancher/breeder of register Charolais (1986 – 2006). He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus 3077, 3rd degree and a 4th degree member of Bishop Byrne Assembly. He was also a questionable golfer (good to not so good). George enjoyed a glass of wine daily and loved to smoke Baby Back Ribs for his friends. Although George was legally blind, and his hearing was almost gone he lived on his own. George will be missed greatly by his friends, family, and neighbors.

The family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to the many doctors and nurses at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center for all they did taking care of George.

Also, a special thanks to Janet Micklos a dear family friend, she made George feel like part of her family. George looked forward to their weekly lunch dates.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkLawndaleFH.com for the Barbier family.