John A. George

John Albert George was born June 6, 1937, in Harleton, TX to Sam Vernon George and Jessie "Aline" McBride George. He attended Harleton Elementary School and graduated from Marshall High School in 1957. John had a life of adventure, travel, service and joy.

Spending most of his youth in East Texas, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1957. His military career took him to faraway places. In 1960, he met his future wife on the steps of the movie theater in Weingarten, Germany. They were engaged within two months and married on June 2, 1961. He always said she was his best souvenir. During the early years of their marriage, he and his family were stationed in Fort Belvoir Virginia, Fort Mead Maryland, Darmstadt, Germany, and Hanau, Germany. During their time in Germany, the family traveled extensively throughout Europe towing their camper behind their huge American cars. In 1979, he retired from the Army holding the rank of Chief Warrant Officer III. He had served 22 years, 1 month, and 3 days.

He received many honors during his military service including: The National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (with 1 bronze service star and 1 silver service star), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon (with device 1960), and The Korea Defense Service Medal. He also received the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, multiple Good Conduct Medals, and Expert Badge with Auto Rifle Bar.

After retiring from the military, he brought his family back to his home. They settled in Chandler, TX where he was determined to stay. Shortly after arriving back in Texas, he started his second career. He spent 20 years employed with the Texas State Highway Department as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic. He loved what he did and did it well.

While working full time and raising a bountiful garden, he fulfilled his dream of becoming a college graduate. In 1987, at age 50, he walked the stage at Henderson County Junior College with his degree in business management and welding.

After retiring twice, his work was still not completed. He spent many days and hours volunteering. He was a faithful worker at the East Texas Food Bank, the Chandler Recycle Center and St. Boniface Catholic Church.

John was most happy outdoors. He was known for his impressive garden. His vegetables fed not just his family but also anyone that stopped by. No one left without a bag of whatever was in season, but what he was most famous for, were his fish fries. John loved to fish. There wasn't a catfish he couldn't catch, which meant there was a never-ending supply of fish to fry. Most family gatherings and events were "Catered by John", including many filets fried up for his church family and their functions.

He was lovingly known as “John the Baptist” at his home church of St. Boniface Catholic Church, where he stayed active in all activities and eager to help at any opportunity. He built, he cleaned, he never said no to anything needing to be done. He also appropriately played the part of John the Baptist for several years in the annual Passion play. After being married to his Catholic wife and attending the Catholic church for 57 years, he decided he was ready to fully commit and convert to Catholicism.

John and Hannelore loved to travel. They completed their bucket list of visiting all 50 states last October. Most of the states were visited with their camper. Summers were spent on the road with their grandchildren, sometimes for 1O weeks straight. John was the best husband, dad, Opa and GrossOpa that any family would be fortunate to call their own. If you were a stranger, that only lasted a few minutes. One conversation and he was your best friend. He gave generously, he loved easily and was admired and loved by anyone that had the honor to meet him.

John's health began to decline recently, but it didn't stop his desire to be on go. On Sunday October 6th he attended Mass and went to lunch with friends and family. On October 7th he felt ill, and after a very short illness, he passed away in the early morning hours of October 15th. A beautiful life that ended peacefully in his home, like he always wanted.

John touched many lives, and he will be greatly missed. Please continue to keep his family and friends in prayer as they adjust to a world without him.

John was preceded in death by his parents. Brother, Buster George. Sister, Sally Amburn. Brothers-in-law, Peter Hornfeck and Rayford Crowell. Sisters-in-law, Claudette George, Emmalee George, Mary Helen George, Brenda George and Rita Neidlein. And nieces Cheryl Cloyd and Carla Eaton.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Hannelore Anna George. Daughter, Melissa Broughton and husband Anthony. Son, Roger George. Grandchildren, Dustin Williams and wife Kala, Erika Pipes, Alex George and Ciara Chambliss. Greatgrandchildren, Rhealynn Williams, Parker Williams, Eli Pipes and Tatum George. Brothers, Sam George and wife Carol, Rufus George, Ivan George and wife Clara. Sisters, Mary George, Dollie Lindsey and husband Chris. Sister-in-law Erika Hornfeck. Niece, Ilka Jackisch and husband Markus. Their children Paul, David and Fiona of Weingarten, Germany. Numerous nieces and nephews. And very special friends, Raul and Tracy DeLagarza.

A special thank you to his niece Penney Price for the unwavering love, care and support she poured over both John and his family, during this difficult time.

John’s nephews Randy George, Curtis George, Greg George, Michael George, Andy Lindsey, and Josh Lindsey will serve as Pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his memory may be made to St. Boniface Catholic Church in Chandler, Tx or Hospice of East Texas.

A visitation for John will be held Tuesday, October 22, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Tyler Memorial Funeral Home, 12053 State Highway 64 West, Tyler, TX 75704. A rosary will occur at 5:30 PM. A Mass will occur Wednesday, October 23, 2024 from 1:00 PM at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 318 Broad St, Chandler, TX 75758. A graveside with military honors will occur Wednesday at 2:20 PM at Tyler Memorial Park.