George Edward Souders, 75, of Belleville, Illinois, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 23.

George was born on February 16, 1934, in Brookport, Illinois to Rev. Edward and Evelyn Souders. He spent his childhood years touching the lives of many as his father traveled to Cairo, Metropolis, Grafton, and Hume, Illinois as a Methodist Minister.

After graduating from Cairo High School in Cairo, Illinois, George served in the United States Navy from 1952-1956 and United States Air Force from 1956-1958 as a communications operator and supply technician. He was a Korean War Veteran. It was during this time that he started corresponding with his future wife, Jennie Brown. Though they never dated, through their letters, George realized that he was falling in love. After serving 26 months in Japan, George married Jennie on November 7, 1954.

George returned home in the fall of 1955 for the birth of their first child Phillip Eugene. Jennie and George went on to have two more children, Edward Lee in 1957 and Julie Ann in 1961. George and Jennie and their family spent most of their years residing in Belleville, Illinois.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to many, George was a dedicated and active member of Saint Matthew UMC, a patriot who loved serving as an election judge, and a green-thumb who cherished time working in his lawn and garden. A Saint Louis Cardinals fan and an avid Fox News viewer, he lived his life serving the Lord by helping others.

He is preceded in death by:

• Parents: Edward E. and Evelyn, nee Anderson, Souders
• Mother and Father-in-Law: Bennett W. and Arvella I., nee Waters, Brown