George Farwell, 87 / June 26, 1923 — May 19, 2011

Published 4:24 pm Thursday, May 26, 2011

George A. Farwell, 87, died May 19 at Royalton Manor in St. Joseph.

George was born June 26, 1923 in Benton Harbor to Claude and Catherine Farwell and graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1941.

He attended Western Michigan University for a short time before being drafted into the U.S. Army. He served in the European Theater and as a member of the 88th Blue Devils Division, 350th Regiment in three major campaigns. He earned the Infantry Rifleman Combat badge and was awarded a Silver Star for gallantry in action in La Torre, Italy.

After returning from the war, George graduated from the University of Michigan School of Journalism and continued his education by earning a law degree from the University of Detroit. After a long career with Chrysler Corp., George retired in the early 1980s and returned with his wife, Viola, to South Bend. They enjoyed traveling together and were avid Notre Dame fans. George especially enjoyed being an active member of both the Edwardsburg VFW Post 2284 and the Edwardsburg American Legion Post 365. He was also a member of St. Mary’s of the Lake Catholic Church.

George is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Puchinsky of Benton Harbor; brother, Jerry (Harriet) of Stevensville; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his wife, Viola (Feece); a brother, Don; and a grandniece, Lindsay Erin Dyer Carll.

A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 23 at Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home in Edwardsburg. Graveside military honors were given by the U.S. Army Honor Guard. Father Maurice Kissane officiated.

Burial followed by Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, 3001 M-51 North, Niles.