George R. Humphrey, Sr., 72, a resident of the Birdsview community, died Jan. 19, 2002, in Yuma, Ariz.

He was born Jan. 26, 1929, in Mason City, Iowa, to Miles W. and Ruth (Oulman) Humphrey, Sr.

In 1937 his family moved to Parkersburg, Iowa, where George was raised and attended school, graduating from Parkersburg High School in 1947. He was married to Marian Cordes in Parkersburg on Dec. 20, 1949. George was a career military man, serving in the U.S. Navy during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. He retired from the Navy as a chief petty officer in 1973 after 21 years of service.

George and Marian had made their home in Oak Harbor since 1970, then moving to Birdview in 1984. He and Marian would spend their winters living in Arizona.

As a young man George attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He was an active member of the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Concrete, the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star, the American Legion, V.F.W. and Disabled American Veterans, the Navy Fleet Reserve Association and the Chief Petty Officers Association.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marian of Birdsview; two daughters and sons-in-law, Toni Kay and George Smith of Anacortes, and Dominique Olene and David Oppermann of Waupun, Wis.; his son, George R. Humphrey, Jr., of Bellevue; his brother, Miles W. Humphrey, Jr. of Parkersburg, Iowa; three grandchildren, Ki Smith and Travis and Jeremy Oppermann; and nine nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Jan. 25 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Concrete. Pastor Harold Sigmar officiated.