George Albert Pestow

George Albert Pestow, 94, of Goshen, passed away at his home early Monday morning, October 10, 2016.

He was born in Goshen Sepember 8, 1922 to Carl and Matilda “Maude” (Bosse) Pestow.

On February 3, 1945 he “buzzed the town” in a military airplane on his way to marrying his high school sweetheart, Mary Jane Thomas, at St. John’s.

He is survived by four daughters, Georgianna Paul of Hartland, Michigan, Mary Elizabeth (Harold) Gaskill of Riverview, Florida, Theresa (Jack) Rowe of Fort Wayne and Cathy (Michael) Beachy of Goshen; four sons, Charles (Lynne) Pestow of Monticello, Joseph Pestow of Roachdale, Lyle (Nancy) Pestow of Ocala, Florida and George Pestow of Mishawaka; 27 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren and a sister, Nancy Pestow of Sun City, Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 66 years and two brothers, Phillip and Bernard Pestow.

A 1940 graduate of Goshen High School, Mr. Pestow served as a pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II from 1942-1945 and as an Army air traffic controller from 1945-1946.  He was on inactive reserve status as 2nd Lieutenant in 1946 from the 10th Airforce Sulfridge, Detroit, Michigan.

Mr. Pestow worked at the Goshen News from 1945 to 1985, retiring as supervisor of the press room and camera room.

He was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church, the Holy Name Saint Society and sang in Young Men’s and Men’s choirs.  He was also active in Boy Scouts of America for 10 years.

He was a member of Goshen Elks Club, Retired Officers Association, Disabled Veterans Association and a lifetime member of the American Legion.

He enjoyed camping and woodworking and made numerous grandfather clocks.

Friends may call Thursday, October 13, 2016, from 4 until the 7:30 p.m. Rosary service at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Friends may also visit Friday, October 14, 2016,  from noon until the 1 p.m. funeral mass at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.  Rev. Father Anthony Steinacker will officiate.

Burial, with military honors, will follow at Violett Cemetery.