John Wilburn George, I

John Wilburn George I, 66 of Centralia, passed away Monday, July 18, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family.He was born December 17, 1949, in Centralia, IL son of Homer Wilburn George II and Eddith Lee (Wiley) George. He married Debra Lockart in 1976 and they later divorced.John is survived by his son John George II and friend Amy Ioerger, daughters: Molly George and friend Johnathan Ashlock and Emily George and friend Michael Bronson all of Centralia, fiancé Ruth Ann Lavin of Centralia, sister Michele Phillips, niece Cheri Eddings, great nephew Chase and wife Melody Eddings of Cahokia, great-great niece Macy Eddings of Cahokia, IL., and many aunts, uncles and cousins.He is preceded in death by his parents.John was of the Methodist Faith and was an Army Veteran serving in the Vietnam era. He was most recently employed at Mary’s House as a cook. He previously was a bus driver for Beck’s and West Bus Service, a sports bus driver for Kaskaskia College, and volunteered much of his time as a bartender and cook at the Centralia Moose Lodge. John worked at several establishments in Centralia as a bartender and he enjoyed it very much. John enjoyed spending time with his fiancé and his children that he was so proud of. He lived in Centralia his entire life and was an avid New York Yankees fan, history and movie buff.John joined the Centralia Moose Lodge 1219 in November 1971, Southern Illinois Legion 101 in 1980, received his Fellowship Degree in 1993, qualified to receive his Pilgrim degree in 2015, was a member of the 25 Club-50 divisions, served as L.O.O.M. Governor of the Centralia Lodge in 1990-1991, 2006-2007, 2013-2015, Previous Jr. Past Governor, Prelate and Trustee, Vice President of District 12 from 1989-1990, Vice President District 11, 1999-2000, Vice President District 10, 2007-2009, President District 11, 2000-2001, President District 10, 2009-2011.He has served as Sports Chairman, Bingo Chairman, Kitchen Chairman, Publicity Chairman and McGruff Chairman, Legion Club President, Legion Club Secretary, Legion 101 Vice President and Legion 101 President. He helped to organize the Centralia Moose Riders and served as Treasurer. John was Chairman of the state Pool Tournament in 1995, he coached youth baseball and helped in the Children’s ParadePer John’s wishes he will be Cremated and a Visitation will be held Friday, July 22, 2016 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. Military Honors will be accorded at 7:00 PM at the funeral home by the American Legion Post 446 and VFW Post 2055. In Lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to The Family and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 N. Sycamore, Centralia, IL. 62801, which is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com

John Wilburn George, I

December 17, 1949 - July 18, 2016