George A. Herod Sr.

1920-2005

George Allan Herod Sr. of Craig, died July 3, 2005, at The Memorial Hospital. He was 85.

Herod was born June 19, 1920, to Lee Carroll Herod and Emma Pearl (Ratcliff) Herod in Denver, one of eleven children.

George spent most of his childhood in southeast Texas and attended school until the 8th grade, when he dropped out to support his family during the Depression.

He joined the Army Airforce in January 1942, and served as an airplane mechanic and camouflage spotter in Tunesia, Sicily, Naples, Rome, North Appenines, and Po Valley with the 345th Fighter Squadron. He earned a Distinguished Unit Badge, Good Conduct Medal, and a Campaign Medal with 6 Bronze stars. He was on his way to the Pacific Theatre when Japan surrendered, and he was honorably discharged in August 1945 as a sergeant.

He met and married Georgia Hall in 1960, and together they raised three children: Siouxanne, Wendy, and George Jr. He also had four stepchildren: Margaret, Sam, George Maurice, and James.

He enjoyed roller skating, fishing, big game hunting, rock hunting, woodworking, and spending time with his family. He was very patriotic and proud of our country and flag. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and also a member of the Gideons.

Herod is survived by his wife, Georgia, of Craig; children Siouxanne Mease of Grand Junction; and George Jr. (Stephanie) of Craig; stepchildren Margaret Thomas of Sparks, Nev.; Sam Dunn and George Maurice Dunn of Salt Lake City; brothers Walter (Barbara) Herod of Hennessey, Okla.; and Richard (Judy) Herod of Hugo; fourteen grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren.

Herod is preceded in death by his parents, Lee Carroll and Emma Pearl Herod; brothers David, Roy, Leslie, Bruce, Marion and Stever; sisters, Lila Ellis and Dorothy Wiseman; daughter, Wendy Schneider, and stepson, James Dunn.

Services were held July 18, 2005, at Calvary Baptist Church in Craig, with pastor Rod Compton officiating. The eulogy was given by Pastor Art Blankenship of Grand Junction, with musical selections “The National Anthem,” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” sung by Siouxanne Mease, “Amazing Grace,” “Onward Christian Soldiers,” and “Victory in Jesus” sung by the congregation, “God Bless the USA” sung by Tom Ripkoski, and pianist Roberta Charles accompanying.

Graveside services were held at the Craig Cemetery by the Craig VFW with honors.

Memorial donations may be made to the Yampa Valley Gideons in care of Grant Mortuary.