George Conwell Lightel of Cottonwood departed this earth April 29, 2012 to rejoin his beloved wife Marie Bernice (Hulin) Lightel. George was born in New Philadelphia, Ohio on January 31, 1923 to Milton Earl and Ethel Florence (nee Adams) Lightel. George grew up with his parents, brothers Clifford Elsworth and John Milton and spent his early times fishing ang trapping in both Ohio and later in Santa Barbara, California. He graduated 8th grade from Yankee Hill Elementary School District located in Butte County, California in 1938. George continued working with his father until entering the U.S. Army in 1943, training in th field of communications. Upon assignment to the 3186th Special Signals Battalion, he was deployed to the European Theater of Operations and established advanced communications systems in both France and Germany. While on leave in the United States, on February 20, 1945, George married Marie. George returned to Europe and after the surrender of Germany in 1945, he was reassigned to the 304th Integrated Signal Battalion and then deployed to the Phillipines and finally to mainland Japan for the occupation service. After the War, George brought Marie to Japan and they lived together until their final return to the United States. George was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Army Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Army of Occupation Medal with "Japan" Device and the Phillipine Libertion Medal. George and Marie returned to the United States in 1947 and took up residence in Santa Barbara, California. George used his G.I. Bill to obtain a degree in professional photographyin 1949 and a certification in taxidermy. In the early 1950's George and Marie relocated to Cottonwood, Arizona where they lived and enjoyed photography, prospecting, metal detecting and growing vegetables in their garden. Marie went to be with the Lord on May 1, 1976 abd George dedicated the remainder of his time helping those in need in the Verde Valley. George was a life member of VFW Post 7400 in Cottonwood, a Life Mmber American Legion Post 135 Cornville and Disabled American Veteran's Post 16 in Prescott. A longtime member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish, George devoted many hours by transporting the needy to and from Church Services, medical apointments and the store. A dedicated and Life Member of the Verde Council Knights of Columbus, he attained the Third Degree. George was preceded in death by his parents, brother Clifford and wife Marie. He is survived by his daughter Sandie Gail (Lejeune) husband Carrol, and brother John, four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; two nieces and one nephew. Visitation is scheduled for 3-5 PM on Sunday May 6, 2012 with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 4 PM in the Westcott Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, May 7 in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 11 AM. Burial will follow in the Valley View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 700 N. Bill Gray Rd., Cottonwood, AZ 86326. An online guestbook is available at www. Westcottfuneralhome.com
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