Captain George John Schmelz, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)
George John Schmelz of Granbury, Texas passed away at age 87 on Thursday, December 2nd, 2021. He was born on October 23, 1934, in New London, Connecticut to George Matthias Schmelz and Ruth Catherine Brower.
As a career military officer, George served 25 years, 1954 – 1979, active duty in the U.S. Air Force, which included several overseas assignments, most notably to Libya, the Philippines, and Korea. He retired in Wichita Falls, Texas, then worked another 10 years as a civilian for the U.S. Air Force.
Upon graduation from Trenton High School, Trenton, N.J., George enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. During his first 15 years of enlistment, George earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska and completed Officer Training School to join the Officer ranks.
George married the love of his life, Irma Lee Garnand, on June 21, 1958, in Bethany, Oklahoma. Together George and Irma served the Lord in many capacities such as spending their summers as missionaries traveling to many states, providing aid and fellowship to different communities; they were members of First Church of the Nazarene in Wichita Falls, TX, then Lakeside Baptist Church in Granbury, Texas for over 20 years. He enjoyed spending time playing golf, pinochle, dominoes, drinking coffee and spending time with friends and family.
George is preceded in death by his parents George M. Schmelz and Ruth Brower, stepmother Kathleen Schmelz, and his wife Irma Schmelz.
He is survived by his son, Randy Schmelz and wife Becky with their sons John and Michael; daughter, Joy Kent with her daughter Sage; brother, Steve Schmelz and wife Gladys; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.
Captain George J. Schmelz (Ret.) will be interred with full military honors at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, along with his wife Irma Schmelz in a small private ceremony.