Dorrell G. George, age 89, died Saturday, March 12, 2016 in Johnson Kansas. Dorrell was born December 19th 1926 in Wright Kansas. He was the son of Dan W. and Nellie (Lee) George. Dorrell was raised on a farm in Haskell County and attended a country school called Independence. He attended two years of high school in Garden City, Kansas and graduated from St. Joseph's Military Academy in Hays, Kansas. He enlisted in the army at the close of World War II and received an honorable discharge from the ARTY-USAR with the rank of Sargent First Class on the 28th of February 1961. He enrolled at Fort Hays State University and received a B.A. in 1950, a Masters in 1951 and a Specialist in Education in 1973.

On August 9th 1949, he married Gladys T. Balthazor at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Damar, Kansas. After their marriage, they resided in the Fort Hays Lewis Field apartments. From this union four children were born. Sondra, Sharon, Neal and Shirley. In 1951, Dorrell accepted a teaching position at Lakin Grade School teaching Social Studies for 7th and 8th grade. In his 30 years at Lakin, he served as assistant principal then principal of the grade school prior to assuming the superintendent's position at USD 215. In 1981, he accepted a position with Philipsburg School District, USD 325. He retired in 1989. He actively pursued his favorite pastimes, golfing and traveling the world with Gladys.

His three main passions were his FAMILY, CHURCH and EDUCATION!

In their 66 years of marriage, Dorrell always had Gladys by his side. She helped him and encouraged him in the three most important areas of his life. The accomplishments in his life could not have been achieved without her help, guidance and encouragement. She truly was the love of his life. He enjoyed raising their children with Gladys and watching them develop and grow through grade school, high school and college. He enjoyed their activities and loved camping and traveling with them. The highlight of his life was seeing them all working in education and giving him and Gladys their grandchildren.

He was active in the Catholic Church at Lakin, Phillipsburg and Johnson. In Lakin and Phillipsburg, he had the privilege of leading the development of both churches by building the current churches. Not many people have the privilege of serving in that capacity for the Lord twice in one lifetime.

When it came to education, he believed the school was to challenge each student in the areas of academics, athletics and in social development. He encouraged his teachers to try new methods such as Learn, Lead, Grow, T.I.M., and IOTA in his staff development workshops. He encouraged the Board of Education to develop goals and was active in building programs in both districts. Many teachers commented that he was a super boss!

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks, Rotary, USA, KASA, Sig Tau Gama, and Phi Delta Kappa. He was a Fort Hays State Alumni for 50 years, was awarded Distinguished Service Award in Education by the Kansas High School Activities Association, The Center for Rural and Small Schools Award by the Kansas Board of Education and Leaders of Secondary Education.

Survivors are a son Neal & wife Judy of Scott City, Kansas; three daughters, Sondra and husband Gary of Bedford, Texas; Sharon and husband Dana of Johnson, Kansas; Shirley and husband Jon of Haslet, Texas; sister, Dorlene, of Atchison, Kansas; ten grandchildren: Haley, Thoman, Tyra, Kallie, JD, Tyrel, Kaitlin, Ben, Kathryn and Taylor and 5 great- grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Delmar, Dannell, and Delloyd and one sister Deloyce (Sister Mary Carol)


A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 17, 2016 in Sts. Philip & James Catholic Church, Phillipsburg, with Father George Chalbhagam officiating. Inurnment with military honors conducted by the Ft. Riley Honor Guard will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg.

A Scriptural Wake Service & Rosary will be at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg. The family will receive friends following the Rosary until 8:30 p.m.

Friends may sign the register book from Noon until 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sts. Philip & James Catholic Church