George Whitefield

George Whitefield, 73, of Libby, died on Sunday, May 8, 2005, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Spokane.

He was born on June 11, 1931, at Libby, to Russell and Mabel DeYong Whitefield.

George grew up in Libby, attended Libby schools and entered the United States Army in November 1950, retiring 20 years later in November 1970

He earned an army Commendational Medal with one oak leaf cluster, a combat Infantry Badge and a certificate of appreciation in recognition of his contributions to youth sports on the army base.

George worked for the Veterans Administration hospital in Tacoma for 10 years and in the Wyoming oil fields for two years before returning to Libby in 1982.

He married Pat Wright on Dec. 1, 1984, at Reno, Nev.

George enjoyed military service, fishing, hunting, pinochle, bowling, pool, his animals and sports of all kinds.

A member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion, George received a Service to America Award presented by the American Legion Post No. 97.

Survivors include his wife Pat, Libby; children Jean Whitefield, Stelicom, Wash., Carol Davis and her husband Damien, Tacoma, Diana Whitefield, Libby, Lynne Borley and her husband Loren in California, Debbie Maus and her husband Stephen in Florida, Diane Jeffers and her husband Jerry in California, Larry Miller and his wife Betty in Oregon, grandchildren Virginia Thom, Libby, Alan Miller and his wife Aixa, in Germany, and sisters Ila Roberts, Tacoma and Nadine Stayton and her husband Tom, Libby, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 12, at the Nelson & Vial funeral Home.

Memorials in George's name may be made to Wings.

Arrangements are under direction of Nelson & Vial Funeral Home.