George L. Hetrick, age 85, of Marengo, passed away Saturday afternoon, August 25, 2012, at the DeWolfe House in Marion.
On January 17, 1927, George was born at his grandmother’s home in Newark, Ohio, the son of the late Guy B. and A. Myrtle (Priest) Hetrick.
He grew up in North Woodbury and started school there. After four years, the one room school was closed and he went to Johnsville School and graduated in the Class of 1945. He also attended The Ohio State University for two years.
George served as a Corporal in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1946 – 1947. Upon his honorable discharge, he took a job with Westinghouse as an electrical engineer. During his time there he developed several patents for the safety and improvement of dryers, ovens, and other appliances. During the 70’s he split time working between their Mansfield and Puerto Rico locations. The company changed names several times and he retired from White Consolidated in 1991. He later spent several years as a consultant for RobertShaw Controls.
On October 20, 1996, George became a member at the Owl Creek Harmony Primitive Baptist Church. He loved his church family and played an integral role in the construction of their Fellowship Hall.
As a young man, George had quite an adventurous side. He took flying lessons in Willard, Ohio in a bi-plane and taught himself aerobatics (stunt flying) out of a book. He also loved to play the guitar and in the mid 40’s he played in a western swing band.
George was extremely ambitious and career driven, but his family was always his priority. Together they went on many vacations, all across the United States. He developed a hobby of photography, creating a lifetime of memories for his children. He was always kind and gentle and will be missed by all who knew him.
George will be dearly missed by his wife, Crissie Edwards Grizzle Hetrick, whom he married December 11, 2004, of Marengo; two daughters: Jacqueline (Tim) Cupp and their children, Dillon and Madeline Cupp, all of Hillsboro, OH, Deborah (Ted) Logan of Mount Gilead, and their children, Brett Logan of Milton, PA, and Jeanette Logan of Mount Gilead; four step children: Gary (Darlene) Grizzle of Sunbury, Dirk Grizzle of Medina, Barry Grizzle of Marengo, David Grizzle of Marengo; 9 step grandchildren; 3 step great grandchildren; and a niece, Nancy Allen of Michigan.
In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his first wife, Muriel Anise Rhoads in 2003, and a half brother, Gene St. Clair.
The Hetrick family will greet friends on Tuesday, August 28, 2012, from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Snyder Funeral Home, 76 S. Main St., Mount Gilead. Services celebrating his life will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at the Owl Creek Harmony Primitive Baptist Church, 7397 County Road 22, Waterford, Ohio, with Elders Jack Griffith and Darvin Edwards officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the V.F.W. Post 8054 and AmVets Post 87 will follow in Shauck Cemetery in Johnsville.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Owl Creek Harmony Primitive Baptist Church.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead is honored to have been chosen to serve George’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them online by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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