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George Thomas Guerre

Born June 27, 1924, in Flint, Michigan. George passed away peacefully at home of congestive heart failure on August 13, 2015, at the age of 91. His family takes great pleasure in knowing their father will be reunited with his family, Johnny, Jimmy, Tommy, and Mary P. George is survived by two sons, Paul (Traci) and Bill Guerre; four daughters, Debbie Guerre, Kathy (Patrick) Morris, Diane (Dennis) Reid and Nancy Guerre; five grandchildren, Nick, Tessa and Stephanie Guerre, Amy (Justin) Brasseur and Kate (Rudy) Nieves; and his beloved Jack Terrier, “Her Majesty” Maggie. He touched so many people in countless ways, beginning with his military career in the Army Air Corps as First Lieutenant from 1943-46. As navigator on B-17 missions during WWII over Italy and Africa, earning numerous medals during his time of service, including the Air Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, and a Unit Citation with two Battle stars. George graduated from Flint Central High School in 1942. He was awarded a scholarship from the University of Michigan, and earned his freshmen numerals his first year.

His football career was interrupted by WWII. Upon his return, U of M did not honor his scholarship so he headed to Michigan State University. Spartan fans fondly remember his three seasons, 1946-48, as MSU’s regular halfback. Nicknamed “Little Dynamite” George is the school’s most prolific rusher. It has been over 60 years since George – all 5’5″ 157 pounds of him, helped out Biggie Munn’s program averaging 6.75 rushing yards per carry, a record that he still holds today. He received the Governor of Michigan award as Most Valuable Player in 1946. Led the Spartans in rushing, punting, and all purpose yards for three straight years, 1946-48, and topped the team in total offense twice and kickoff return yards once. George was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity as well as Senior Class President. George received the following awards for his contributions to the MSU Athletic Programs: Jack Breslin Award, 1999, Recipient of the Life Time Achievement Award presented by MSU Varsity Club, 2005. Inducted into the MSU Sports Hall of Fame, 2007, Inducted into the Gridiron Greats Foundation Hall of Fame, 2011. He was proud to say that he has been a season football ticket holder for over 65 years. George joined Ohio National life in 1948 while a student at MSU. He formed his own Agency and became a life member of the Million Dollar Round Table and a Certified Financial Consultant. He was President of Lansing Life Underwriters Association, General Agents and Manager’s Association, and the Central Michigan Chapter Chartered Life Underwriters. His industry awards included Life and Qualifying Million Dollar Roundtable every year since 1956, National Quality Award for 38 years, National Sales Achievement Award for 20 years, National Management Award for 3 years. His eloquent speaking qualities earned him many speaking engagements in the industry and in the world of athletics. While his professional career grew and prospered, his service to the community was with unbound selflessness. Evidence of his commitment to making the world a better place was in the footprint he left He provided leadership as President of the following community organizations: St. Lawrence Hospital Board of Trustee, MSU National Alumni Association, Central Michigan Alumni Club, Downtown Coach’s Club, and the Lansing City Club. Vice President of the Lansing Chamber of Commerce, General Campaign Chairman for the Greater Lansing United Fund and American Cancer Fund. A recipient of the Paul Martin Community Service Award, Chairman of the Business Division for the Lansing Catholic Education Fund Drive and a recipient of the Flint Central High School Alumni Award. In his later years George took pleasure in giving communion to senior citizens at various living facilities in the area. It would be hard to meet someone who touched more lives than George. He will be remembered for his love, compassion, generosity and his many humble acts of kindness towards others. In his later years he loved meeting for lunch or coffee with his former teammates, classmates, and many friends. His spirited humor, many passions and talents included sports, travel, animals of all kinds, daily crossword, walking Maggie, reading and discussing an eclectic range of books. His wry sense of humor kept his large family and many friends grateful for his longevity. He will be greatly missed by all the people whose lives he touched.

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