George W. Gleason

George W. Gleason George W. Gleason, lovingly called "Papaw Bill" by his family, was born in Faceville, Georgia, on October 10, 1922. On May 8, 2015, he opened his eyes and saw heaven. He was surrounded by his loving family and caregivers as he struggled against the disease that would eventually take him away. It brought the family much comfort to know that he was holding the hand of David, the son-in-law he liked to call his son-in-heart, when he began his last journey. From 1941-1945, during WW2, Bill served in the Army Air Force as a armorer gunner, then later, as a 509 Toggelier Bombardier in the 444th Squadron of the 320th Bomb Group in the European campaign. He flew 65 missions and was awarded the Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, a Presidential Citation, four Bronze Stars, the French Croix de Guerre, the French Fourragere and other foreign medals from countries that were grateful to be liberated by the courageous young men of the "greatest generation." Bill has been a resident of this area since 1945. He and his adored wife of 69 years, Verdie, raised their family while enjoying gardening and fishing. They traveled throughout the United States to see the wonders of our glorious country, many times bringing their beloved grandson, Troy, with them. Bill also liked to write comforting poems for those who lost loved ones, and Donna promised him that we would hear one for him today. Bill is survived by his wife, Verdie, and their daughter, Donna, and David, their son-in-law and beloved main caregiver for the past two decades. Bill is also survived by his son, John Gleason, and his wife, Diana, and grandchildren, Troy and Alicia Guidry, Belinda and her husband, Jeremy Battenfield, Brian Gleason, and 10, adored great grandchildren-Taylor and Paisley Guidry, Cody and Kiera Battenfield, and Jeffery, Jada, Patrick, Jade, Moani, and Elaika Gleason. The family thanks Hospice for helping them to keep a promise to Bill-that he be allowed to die at home. Thanks to his amazing Hospice team, compassionate neighbors, The Monday Meal Team at First Baptist Church Groves, the loving members of First Baptist Nederland and its In-Touch Sunday School Class, it was a promise they were able to keep. On May 13, 2015, a visitation for family and friends will be held at Levingston Funeral Home in Port Neches from 3-4 p.m., with Dr. Jason Burden officiating at a Memorial Service at 4 p.m. Military Graveside rites will be held at Memory Gardens, 3098 Highway 69 N, Nederland, Texas.