George Edward Walz

George Edward Walz peacefully passed away on January 4th, 2024, at the age of 88 in the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO. George was born in Sedalia, Missouri on February 22, 1935, to George and Emma Walz who preceded him in death. He attended and graduated from Smith Cotton High School in Sedalia and after graduation enlisted into the U.S. Air Force where he served for four years mostly in North Africa. He returned home and enrolled in the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO and graduated with a degree in journalism. Journalism was his passion. After many stints in various newspapers and a Kansas City television news station, he purchased the Oak Grove Banner and started the publication Pictorial News in Oak Grove, Missouri.

Later in his career he worked for NFIB (National Federation of Independent Businessmen) where he became passionate of the plight of small businesses due to his experiences as an entrepreneur. Upon retirement he worked part time for McGilley Funeral Homes as a driver. He was a people person and loved being there for others.

He married Jo Ann Gehlken in 1958 and had two sons, Scott E. Walz, and is preceded in death by son, Brian L. Walz.

George came from a large family. His sister, Lucille Christian, is the only living sibling. He was preceded in death by sisters, Isabell Cusick, Leila Boss, Helen Myers, Martha Arth, and infant sister, Judy. His brothers were Frank, James, John, Robert, and Charles Walz.

He also has several grandchildren, Micah S. Walz (Lindsay), Caleb L. Walz, and Sarah Thompson (Elliott); great-grandchildren, Liam and Lily Walz, Caleb and Lilly Thompson.

George was a proud Air Force veteran and very patriotic. He loved God, his family and his country. He lived at the Missouri Veterans Home in his final years where they treated him and all the other veterans with love and dignity.

Visitation will be held starting at 1:00 p.m. on January 13th, 2024 at the River Church, 6400 Woodson Rd, Raytown, MO 64133, with funeral service following at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Timmy Hensel presiding. Private interment will be in Mt. Moriah Cemetery.