George E. Charland

Our husband, father, grandfather, brother, and wonderful friend George E. Charland went to be with His Lord on July 20, 2006. He was born February 9, 1925 to George and Grace Charland in Minneapolis, MN. George entered the United States Marine Corp at age sixteen. He was at Pearl Harbor, Ewa Marine Base on guard duty the day Pearl Harbor was attacked. He was in New Zealand, Roi-Namur, Saipan, Tinian, Guadalcanal, and finally Iwo Jima. George received three purple hearts for injuries received during battle. George lived his life as a dedicated Marine, "Duty, Honor, Country" He was a Marine! After four years of being overseas he was medically discharged in 1945. He then put himself through grade school, high school, college, and the police academy. He served as Chief of Police in Folsom, CA. for many years. Seeking more adventure he completed the fire academy and served as the first Fire Chief of El Dorado Hills, CA. He served several years in that capacity. George also served as Fire Chief at Dugway Proving Grounds, Salt Lake City for many years. In 1988 George met and married the love of his life, his wife, Judy. They lived many years in Mesa, AZ and moved to Abilene six years ago. George was a member of VFW Post 6873, and Disabled American Veterans. George's passions were his love of family, love of the U.S. Marine Corp, and his dedication to making sure everyone remembers the sacrifices of all service personnel. He organized and participated in numerous civic activities in our community. George was especially dedicated to educating school children about the American flag, freedom, and our country. He wanted all Americans to remember Freedom is not free, but paid for in blood. Never forget! George is survived by his wife, Judy, sons, Kerry Hill and wife, Maxine, of Weatherford, Chad Hill and wife, Carla, of Brownwood, daughters Renee Hammer and husband, Steve, of Sacramento, CA, and Debbie Izzard and husband, Rod of Orangeville, CA, sisters Bettie Korfiatis of Plymouth, MN, Mary Waltiney of Mesa, AZ, Sally Sjolin of Santa Rosa, CA, Dorothy Jenson of Santa Rosa, CA, Emilie Coffman of Orangeville, CA. Grandchildren Austin, Garret, Kaiden, Kinzey, Ryan, Riley, Samantha, and Anthony. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2006 at Hamil Family Funeral Home 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd. from 2:30-3:30 pm. A memorial service will be held at Broadview Baptist Church with David Cason officiating at 4 pm. Memorials may be sent to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605.