Mr. George E. Pence, aged 72, of Climax, formerly of Gowen, passed away Thursday, Oct. 20, 2005 at Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo, after a brief illness. The son of J.C. & Frances (Tassell) Pence, he was born on July 21, 1933 at home in Scotts. After graduating from Climax-Scotts High School, George served with the U.S. Army in the Korean Conflict and was a member of the Ray I. Booth American Legion Post 101 in Greenville. On Jan. 28, 1956, in Scotts, he married the former Eleanor R. Thomas. She preceded him in death on Feb. 5, 2003 after 47 years of marriage. On June 26, 2004, in Climax, he married the former Norma J. (Hagelshaw) Leach.

He retired as a supervisor from R.J. Tower Corp. in Greenville in June of 1987. George was a longtime member of the Greenville Masonic Lodge No. 96, holding several offices over the years including master, secretary, and chaplain. In addition, George was a member of the Trufant Order of the Eastern Star Chapter No. 383, the Trufant Masonic Lodge No. 456, and the Climax-Prairie Masonic Lodge No. 59. He enjoyed hunting, woodworking, and antique automobiles… especially Model-A Fords. George was a member of the Crank & Throttle Car Club.

Surviving are his wife, Norma J. Pence of Climax; his children, Jaye & Wayne Christensen of Stanton, and Keli & Lonnie Tiffany of Grand Rapids, Larry & Brigette Leach of Climax, and Tammy Leach of Lansing; eight grandchildren, Joshua & Sara Christensen of Gladwin, Larry Tiffany of Grand Rapids, Kristin Chapin of Greenville, Lacey & Ben White of Lansing, Petty Office 3rd Class Donald Eady with the U.S. Navy, Lance Tiffany of Grand Rapids, Kevin & Cathy Leach, and Kelly Leach, all of Climax; five great grandchildren, Travis Chapin, Brennon Rowley, Elicia Rowley, Natalie Jane Leach, and Lane Joseph Leach; three sisters and three brothers-in-law, Mina & Dennis Davis of Scotts, Ardith & Chuck Forman of Mendon, Patsy & Cecil Bagwell of Scotts, and Harland (Helen) Bennett of Fulton; several siblings-in-law, Laurel Ashby of Comstock, Celia & Bernie Rorick of Parchment, Gib & Grace Thomas of Comstock, Roger & Ruth Thomas of Richland, Tom & Kathy Thomas of Manton, and Edward B. Rose of Leesburg, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 24, 2005 from Settlement Lutheran Church, Gowen, with the Rev. Dave Knapp, pastor of Climax United Methodist Church, officiating. Military honors, rendered by the Ray I. Booth American Legion Post 101 will conclude the service. Honoring Georges wishes, cremation will follow with private burial at Little Denmark Cemetery, Gowen. Visitation is Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Brown-Teman & Christiansen Funeral Home, 511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville, with Masonic rites, conducted by Greenville Lodge No. 96 F&AM, beginning at 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to either the Michigan Masonic Home or the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.