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George B. Lagaly Oklahoma City, OK QCWA # 08174 Chapter 63 |
George B. Lagaly
August 4, 1922 - January 28, 2022
George B. Lagaly, aged 99 years, was born the eldest son of Wilhelm and Margaret (Menz) Lagaly on August 4, 1922 in Union City, Oklahoma. He passed away in his home surrounded by family on January 28, 2022 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
George's parents were second generation homesteaders growing primarily wheat and cotton on their farm. In his youth George's family survived both the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. The skills and strong bond with the land forged during that time remained throughout his life. In adulthood George earned the distinction of Master Gardener through the Oklahoma State University Agricultural Extension Program. He spent countless hours in his garden, but ate very little of what he grew. He enjoyed sharing his harvest with family, friends and leaving bags of produce at the church for those who needed it to enjoy.
After George graduated from high school he attended the National Youth Administration Radio School in Tonkawa, Oklahoma. It was while attending this school that he was drafted for WWII, but the powers that be saw fit to allow him to complete his courses before being inducted. However, it would be after the war before he received his Amateur Radio License because no domestic licenses were issued during war time. George was active in the amateur radio community throughout his adult life. In 1962 his amateur radio station, W5NTL, was recognized for making official contact with other stations in over 100 different countries on all six participating continents. He was also active in multiple amateur radio clubs and enjoyed attending many Hamfests over the years.
In 1943, when George was drafted into the United States Army Air Forces, he attended every school they made available to him. He then served the majority of his first enlistment as a gunnery instructor on B-17 bombers. After his honorable discharge in 1946 he worked a few odd jobs until he was appointed to the post office in El Reno, Oklahoma. Shortly thereafter he was called back to duty as an Army Reservist during the Korean War. In his second enlistment he served as an air traffic control tower operator at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma. George was honorably discharged for a second time on October 15, 1951 and returned to his position at the Post office in El Reno. During this time he took flying lessons under the G.I. Bill and earned a private pilot's license logging over 160 flying hours.
On May 22, 1954, George married Pauline M. Reimers of Okarche, Oklahoma. They resided in Stillwater, Oklahoma where George attended Oklahoma A&M earning his Bachelor's of Science in Electronic Engineering in 1958. It was then George met one of his closest friends, Leo Bartley. Their friendship lasted more than 60 years and they left this this earth within 24 hours of one another. After George graduated, he and Pauline relocated to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where they eventually built a home and raised their three children. At that time George went to work for the FAA designing and installing radar systems around the country.
It would be impossible to list all of the ways in which George maintained a full and active life for 99 years, but there are a few highlights that must be recounted. George's father gifted him his first baseball, bat and glove when he was a young boy; he played ball late into his life, coached in the local Church League and pitched in the Senior League well into his 70's. He and his wife were also active in the El Reno Square Dancing club for many years. George enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting. He loved working on cars and motorcycles with his son, tinkering with electronics and had a knack for figuring out a better way to do just about anything. George regularly sought out garage and estate sales where, among other things, he often rescued old violins in various states of disrepair.
George was raised in a devout Catholic home and was a faithful servant of God throughout his life. He served in many ways, both seen and unseen, including as an altar boy in childhood, singing in the church choir as an adult, and as a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Pauline; son, Ronald E. Lagaly; parents, Wilhelm and Margaret (Menz) Lagaly; sister, Barbara F. Berntsen; brother, John A. Lagaly; brother, Joseph L. Lagaly; sister, Irene A. Perkins; and brother, William H. Lagaly.
He is survived by daughter, Michelle Hyde (Mike Hyde); son, Scott Lagaly (Becky Shaw); sister, Gertrude Meiwes; brother, Lawrence Lagaly; sister, Mary Amato; numerous nieces, nephews, and too many wonderful friends to count.
Visitation will be at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service on Monday, February 7, 2022, 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. with the family present from 6:00-8:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be held 2:00 P.M. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 followed by interment with Military Honors at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
