George V. Kilgore, Columbia City, died at 3:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 12, 2016 at his home.

He was born April 24, 1948 in Millstone, Ky. to  Charles K. and Lula (Baker) Kilgore. As a young boy, his family moved to Columbia City from Kentucky. He completed his education at Columbia City Joint High School.

On April 29, 1965 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged Jan. 16, 1970.

On Nov. 1, 1968 he was united in marriage to Juanita M. “Jane” Vasquez. They made their home in Columbia City, Montana, North Carolina and Churubusco before returning to Columbia City in 2012.

He worked for Ruja Tool for several years, owned and operated Creative Tool Inc. from 1998 until 2002, then Pirate’s Cove from 2009 until 2011 and G & S Oil from 2012 to 2014.

His memberships included Wolf Lake V.F.W. and Harbor of Love Baptist Church in Kendallville.

Surviving relatives include his wife, Jane; four children: George “Bill” (Trisha) Kilgore of Fort Wayne; Stephanie Rich of Columbia City; Timothy Ray (Dee Fox) Kilgore of Tri Lakes; and Joseph (Jacee) Kilgore of Columbia City; 15 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; a brother, Hugh Kilgore, of Fort Wayne; and four sisters: Donna Ott of Wolf Lake; Bonita Vanderford, Jane Rayner and Ruth Hatfield, all of South Whitley.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles, his mother, Lula, and his step-father, William Bowers; two brothers, Darrell Kilgore and Charles David Kilgore.

The funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Military honors will be presented at the funeral home by members of the Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard.

Preferred memorials are to final expense account payable to Smith & Sons Funeral Home.

Smith & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.