George Preston DeLoach

George Preston DeLoach, 85, died Feb. 12, 2013, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer.

A graveside service with full military honors is at 2:30 p.m., Feb. 15 at the Fort Richardson National Cemetery committal shelter. Persons attending the service are asked to meet at the Fort Richardson gate by 2:15 p.m. to be escorted onto the cemetery grounds.

George was born in Inverness, Miss., Jan. 3, 1928, but moved on to visit many places. He joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 19 and served in China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan while also visiting Hawaii, Guam and Midway. After his Navy service, he joined the Air Force and served in Washington, Illinois, Canada, Thule, Greenland and Alaska, among other states.

George and his family arrived in Alaska on Jan. 20, 1964, and were here for the Great Alaskan Earthquake of 1964 at Elmendorf Air Force Base. After his tour was up in 1967, he transferred to March Air Force Base in California.

After his Air Force service, George retired from Houston, Texas, and returned to Alaska. He also was able to visit the Netherlands, England, Israel and Germany. Living in Alaska gave George a great insight into Alaska Native life and he also heard many stories and legends. His love of the printed word instilled in him a desire to write. George was also an accomplished Alaskan artist.

In addition to his military service, George also worked for Standard Oil and Marathon, and spent many days passing the time with his artwork, skilled writing and publishing.

Surviving are his wife, Peggy DeLoach of Wasilla; sons, Mark DeLoach of Nenana and Gerald DeLoach of Wasilla; daughter, Rebecca Blackburn of Oregon; grandsons Michael DeLoach of Eagle River, Patrick Radspinner of Minnesota, Matthew Radspinner of Georgia, Gregory DeLoach of Indiana and Grant DeLoach of Wasilla; granddaughter, Crystal DeLoach of North Pole; and great-grandchildren of Indiana and Minnesota.

George drew interest from many people due to his artwork and war stories.

“He will be missed dearly by his family and members of the community,” his family wrote.

Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel and Crematory, Wasilla.