Edwin George

Edwin George was a man of strong character, a dependable and loving husband, father and grandfather. He knew how to put others at ease and was more than willing to help where he saw a need. Edwin’s fun-loving personality won him many friends, and he was always ready with an old, but good joke to enliven a gathering. For 73 years, he shared his joy of life with everyone around him and in doing so, brightened many lives.

In 1936, the United States was beginning to surface from the effects of the Great Depression. While President Roosevelt continued to enact his domestic reform program, the New Deal, political conflicts in Europe were making headline news. Within 3 years, World War II would escort a new generation of men into the horrors of battle. As these events unfolded around the world, the George family of Owosso, Michigan was celebrating the birth of their son, Edwin, on March 4, 1936. Edwin was one of seven George children, and grew up on the farmlands of St. Johns, Michigan. His father earned a living as a farmer for a while, but later went to work at General Motors.

Edwin received his early education in a small one-room schoolhouse in Clinton County until the 5th grade before transferring to the old East Ward School in St. Johns. He served as a crossing guard while in elementary school, and later won a trip to Washington, D.C. with school. When not in school, Edwin loved to spend much of his leisure time outdoors, palling around with his dog, Brownie, and fishing in a nearby pond. As a teenager, Edwin turned his attention to cars, and was very proud of his first set of wheels, a Model T with a rumble seat. He snuck many friends into the drive-in movies hidden in that rumble seat. To help pay for his car, Edwin had a paper route in St. Johns and washed dishes at the White House Restaurant.

Shortly before graduating from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1955, Edwin got a job working the presses at St. Johns' local newspaper, the Reminder. In his down time, he was constantly taking apart the equipment to see if he could make it work better, much to his boss’s dismay. It was at the newspaper that Edwin met the love of his life, Carole, and they soon began dating. However, in 1959, Edwin received his draft notice from the U.S. Army, and he shipped out overseas for Holland, where he worked on Honest John Missiles. Although miles from home and his sweetheart, Edwin lived a pretty “good life” on base in Holland. The base was recently renovated so everything was new, and they even had a goat on base, which served as their mascot.

Edwin returned to the states in 1961, and married his bride-to-be, Carole, a year later in St. Johns. The whirlwind of life’s busyness kept the newlyweds from going on a honeymoon after their wedding, but 2 years later with one child and one on the way, Edwin and Carole finally went on a honeymoon. And after 47 years together, they were still as happy as the day they said “I do.” Edwin was a very hardworking man and he took great pride in providing for his family. He worked for many years at General Motors, where he was well known for his strong work ethic. Outside of work, Edwin’s happiest moments were spent with his wife and kids. Each summer, Edwin enjoyed growing strawberries and watching his kids pick them when ripe. The family looked forward to vacations too, though Edwin would drive around for hours until he found the cheapest hotel.

When it came to his retirement years, Edwin had more time to devote to his family. He was always lending a helping hand to his son, Chris, and once he even fell off a ladder at his house, but Edwin said the only thing he hurt was his pride. Edwin was very proud of his daughter-in-law, Kathy, and liked to tell others she was his favorite (and his only one). But that was Edwin – a real practical joker, always looking for ways to put a smile on someone’s face. One of his favorite jobs was as a Grandpa; he loved his grandkids very much and spent as much time with them as he could. There was always giggles and laughter in the air with Grandpa Edwin around.

In his leisure time enjoyed going to Mt. Pleasant to do some gambling and he often dropped in on family and friends for short visits. He enjoyed playing board games and pinochle and doing puzzles. Edwin was also a Detroit Lions fan, though he often said watching their games was like a cartoon because they were so bad. When he wasn’t playing a game, Edwin enjoyed watching some on TV, like Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.

Edwin cared deeply for his family and showed it by providing faithfully for them and sharing much love and laughter. Always a devoted husband, father and grandfather, Edwin will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by the family he so dearly loved.