Charles R. "Rick" George

          On March 1, 2023, just before 7 pm, Jesus came and carried Rick home to finally walk again. Charles Richard George passed away surrounded by loving family at his side, following a 26-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.

          Rick was born January 10, 1947, in Kansas City, MO, the eldest of three children of Taliaferro “T.J.” and Katherine (Wood) George.  Rick grew up in the Kansas City Northland and graduated from Platte County High School. Later in life he received an Associate degree from Maple Woods Community College.

          Following high school graduation, Rick was employed with Farmland Industries until going to work for AT&T.  His career would span 36 years with Southwestern Bell and AT&T before he retired as a Communications Systems Engineer. He was especially proud of his work with the AT&T Disaster Relief Team.

          Rick was a member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church.  After his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Rick enjoyed being a part of the Platte County Senior Center, volunteering in the kitchen and cleaning after meals, all from his wheelchair.

          Rick was united in marriage to the love of his life, Valarie Ann Kolbe, on March 22, 1969, in Kansas City, MO.

          Rick leaves his wife of 53 years, Valarie; children, Travis George (Angie) and Tracey Rausenberger (Marc); grandchildren, Tyler George, Ethan George, Hannah Boles and Caleb Boles, as well as many grandchildren by marriage. Also surviving are his siblings, Roy George (Sharon) and Linda McKelvy (Dennis); nieces, nephews, and their families, as well as many friends.

Rick was a simple man. He enjoyed wonderful trips with his wife and family. He loved to go out to eat, especially “buffets” and anything to do with a good coupon deal. He absolutely loved ice cream. His greatest enjoyments were found in raising his children, attending and coaching their sports, buying them their first cars, and teaching them the value of hard work. His favorite role was being a grandpa. He loved babysitting them, playing with them, traveling with them, and attending and cheering every single sporting event possible even up to the very end. His dedication to his family was a blessing to all.

          Visitation will begin at 4:30 pm, followed by a service officiated by Rick’s friend, Vernon Armitage, at 5:30 pm, on Tuesday, March 7, at Park Lawn Northland Chapel, I-35 at State Route 291, Liberty, MO.  A private graveside service will be Wednesday, March 8, at Terrace Park Cemetery.

          In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to One Community Hospice (www.onecommunityhospice.com/donation) or the Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.org/howtohelp/donatenow).