GEORGE C. CHURCH MEMORIAL AVIATION SCHOLARSHIP | Debbie Larson

Contact: Debbie Larson

Debbie Larson is the daughter of George Church.

GEORGE CHURCH OBITUARY:
Peacefully and surrounded by family, George Colvin Church, 94, of Rockford, died on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at 4:44pm. Born August 27, 1927, in the back bedroom of his childhood home in Winnebago, Illinois. He was the fourth child and third son of Roy B. and Helen (Korn) Church. George attended Winnebago School, however left to serve our country during WWII at the age of 17. He was a proud Veteran of the US Navy, Blimp Sqd. 12 Det 5, serving 5 ½ years as an Aviation Engine Mechanic. George attended Curry School of Aeronautics in Galesburg, IL, and American Flyers Flight in Ardmore, OK. He received Federal Aviation Administration Certificates in Aircraft and Powerplant Mechanics, Inspection Authorizations, and Airline Transport Pilot. George was a Corporate Pilot and Manager of Aircraft at Sundstrand Corp, retiring in December 1987 after 33 years. Additionally, he worked 11 years as an Associate Aircraft Consultant for Aviation Methods Inc. in San Francisco, CA. After his retirement, George was honored to walk with Winnebago High School’s Class of 2009 to receive his diploma.

George’s love for all things aviation and his incredible experiences were shared through his gift of storytelling. George was adventurous and his keen mind, integrity, and true grit made him a valuable contributor to aviation. George was an active member of QB’s Rockford Hanger, Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 7910 of MI, and the longest and oldest member of Navy Ship #1 of Rockford, joining in 1944 while on leave from the service. He was awarded the Recipient of National Business Aircraft Association Pilot Safety Award and Mechanic Award and FAA Charles Taylor Master Aircraft Mechanic Award. His name is displayed at the Charles Taylor roll of honor in Washington DC, Charles Taylor Memorial at the Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum in Rantoul, IL, and a brick is placed in his honor at the World War II Museum in New Orleans, LA.

Annie F Fitzgerald and George were married on October 6, 1951. Last year they celebrated 70 years of the most beautiful love story. Together they made commitment, sacrifice, and selfless unconditional love appear effortless. They made a wonderful life together and lived the most amazing, retired life traveling throughout the US in their motor home. George knew how special his Annie was and he was humbly grateful for her incredible devotion at every stage of his life. Annie was his reason for everything and was his true strength, she made everything about him better. His only wish at the end of his well lived life is to take care of Annie and that we will do. George was generous in expressions of love, appreciation, and time. He was everything that is right in this world and his life was a gift and example of how to live and love.

He is survived by his three children, Debbie (Gary) Larson, Alan (Roberta), and David (Gina). His seven grandchildren, Dawn (Tony) Redmond, Nick Larson, Angella (Mario) Herrera, Amanda (Robert) Wahl, Jason (Kristen) Church, Alyssa Church, and Zachary Larson. His fourteen great grandchildren, Brianna (Taylor) Heidecker, Bailee (Michael) Hawkins, Athena, Ryan, Natalie, Emily, Bryce, AJ, Andrew, Jayden, Jack, Luke, Colvin, and Addy. This year George was able to hold his first great great grandchild Layla before he passed. George is welcomed into heaven by his parents, his siblings Ted (Mary) Church, Roy (Rosalie) Church, and sister Dorothy who died before he was born. Numerous cousins, nephews, great nephews, and amazing lifelong friends have been waiting as well.

Thank you to so many people who extended their love and care for George. He loved that his special nephew Bret is now the pilot of his beloved motor home. We are so grateful to Bickford Assisted Living’s staff who are now part of our family. George was incredibly grateful for his family, especially the selfless devotion his daughter Debbie, who did everything in her power to advocate for their quality of life. And, to his granddaughter Dawn, who he referred to as a daughter and Angel who managed his care. A very special thank you to the Navy Club of Rockford, as they are celebrating 100 years, their generosity and support means so much. And an ultimate appreciation to his Savior Jesus Christ for His Amazing Grace.