George J. Friedel, Jr., was born in Connellsville, PA on January 12, 1931. He grew up on the tail end of the Depression. This influenced him for the rest of his life. A family first, hardworking, trustworthy, Christian man, you always knew where you stood with him.
He served two enlistments in the US Air Force, ending as a chief mechanic on a B-29 Superfortress. That duty allowed him to travel the world taking photos he loved to share. After marrying and having children, he sometimes worked three jobs a day to keep his young family fed and sheltered. In 1973, he relocated his family to Houston, TX for better job opportunities. Settling in Northwest Houston, he supported his three children who all attended Texas A&M University. He was so proud of their accomplishments and sometimes seemed a more “die-hard” Aggie than them.
When they became “empty nesters”, as his job allowed, he and his wife traveled the US visiting new places, old friends, and family. When they began any journey, Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again” was always fired up. In the early 2000’s, his wife suffered medical problems that eventually ended with a fused knee and restriction to a wheelchair. During her health challenges, through “thick and thin, happy and tough times” he was always there supporting her needs. With her passing in 2013, he endured eight years of loneliness being without the love of his life. During those years, he passed time keeping up with the events and accomplishments of his children, grandchildren, and even great grandchildren. Because of his proximity and free time, he had a special relationship with his grandson, Austin.
We are all thankful for his presence in our life, the support he gave, and the example he set. We will miss him.
Preceded in death by beloved wife Ann Friedel and great granddaughter McKenzie Bergman.
Survived by sons George (Dianne) Friedel of Canyon Lake and
Timothy (Donna) Friedel of Southlake;
daughter Jennifer (Jeff) Davis of Waller; grandchildren Amy (Kris) Oglesby, Leigh (Tong) Utakrit, Amanda (William) Burson, Haley (Edward) Bergman, Kaitlyn (Josh) English, Erik Friedel and Austin Davis; and great grandchildren Meadow Oglesby, Sage Oglesby, Kinley Oglesby, Henleigh Utakrit, Caroline Burson, Jack Burson and Wyatt Burson.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, March 19, 2021 at 11:30 am at American Heritage Funeral Home located at 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038. A Committal Service will follow at 1:00pm at Houston National Cemetery located at 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038.
The family has requested that friends and family not purchase a candle or plant a tree in Mr. Friedel's Honor. Thank you for respecting the family's wishes.
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