George W. Haven

George W. Haven, 77, of Springfield, passed away on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at HSHS St. John’s Hospital. He was born January 25, 1944, in Granite City, the son of Edward and Olivia (Stumpf) Haven. He married Mary Jo LaMaster on July 22, 1966 and she survives.

Also surviving are daughter-in-law, Roseann Haven;  Marilyn LaMaster; and the pride and joy of his life, grandson, Graham William Haven.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Olivia and son, Patrick William Haven.

George earned his master’s degree from Illinois State University. He was a life long educator and taught for one year in the Normal Community School District. After coming to Springfield in 1968, he spent the remainder of his career with Springfield School District 186. He taught mathematics at Springfield High School, became a Guidance Dean at Franklin Middle School, then an Assistant Principal at Springfield Southeast High School, followed by being District Director of Student Services. He retired in 1999 after serving as an Assistant Principal at Lanphier High School. He was an assistant track coach at SHS. After retirement, he filled in for building administrators in both short and long-term absences for many years.

George was a member of the First United Methodist Church for over 50 years and served on the Administrative Board. For many years, he was a member of the Up and Comers Sunday School class. George and Mary Jo were youth sponsors and accompanied the senior high youth on summer mission trips.

George was involved in a variety of community activities. He served as member of the Abraham Lincoln Boy Scouts Council. He also served as a Cubmaster for a number of years. He assisted organizing the youth soccer program in its infancy. George began officiating in the youth soccer programs and was a certified Illinois High School Association Soccer Official for over 40 years.

During the latter part of George’s career, he was an IHSA Rules Interpreter and Clinician. He also served on the IHSA soccer advisory board. He was the 2003-2004 IHSA Soccer Official of the year. He was assigned to work the preliminary games in the state tournament nearly every year and worked the State Finals over 10 times, including the championship game twice. He served on the Springfield School District Board of Education.

Private family services were held, followed by burial at Mason Cemetery in Pike County.

Memorial contributions may be made to Animal Protective League or the Patrick W. Haven Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln.

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