George Thanet French |
| Posted 2009-11-02 by Sharla |
| West Valley View October 20, 2004 George Thanet French, 93, of Litchfield Park died Oct. 14, 2004. Mr. French was born Oct. 6, 1911, in Davenport, Iowa. He attended Phillips Andover and then Yale University, where he earned a second lieutenant’s commission in the Army Reserve. When called to active duty in 1941, however, he was discharged because of poor vision. Mr. French worked for Deere and Company for nearly 50 years, beginning in 1934 and retiring in 1971. During his tenure, he held several management positions, including senior vice president for worldwide manufacturing operations in 1963 and of oversight for all overseas operations in 1966. Mr. French served as a director for the company from 1951 through 1974. He also served as director of the American Standards Institute and the Central Engineering Company of Davenport at other times. Over the years, Mr. French was active in many civic and church organizations including as president of the Tri-City Symphony Board, a trustee of St. Luke’s Hospital and the Diocese of Quincy of the Episcopal Church. After moving to Litchfield Park in 1974, he became active in the Estrella Rotary Club, where he served as president 1979-80, and at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. During his retirement, Mr. French did a great deal of research on his ancestry. He published the results of his work in detailed charts and a book written primarily for family members, “Stories From a Long Journey.” Mr. French married Lucia Maxine Coates, with whom he had two children. That marriage ended in divorce. A second marriage, to Nancy Ann Rendleman, produced one son, but also ended in divorce. In 1960, he married Caroline Wagoner, who predeceased him in 2000. Mr. French is survived by one daughter, Ann French Chalberg; one son, William Decker French; a nephew he considered a son, Harry G. Hoyt; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A service was held Monday at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Litchfield Park. Memorials may be sent to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 400 S. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340. Camino del Sol Funeral Chapel in Sun City West made the arrangements. |
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