George E. Golliher, age 99, passed away late Thursday evening, February 17, 2022, at the Lone Tree Retirement Center, Meade, Kansas.
He was born December 16, 1922, at Meade, Kansas, the son of JB (Doc) and Verdie (Bradley) Golliher. As a young boy he attended school in Meade, graduating from Meade High School. After his graduation, he joined the United States Army on February 15, 1943. Following boot camp and training in the United States he was stationed in England in preparation for the invasion of France. On June 6, 1944, George was part of the D-Day invasion on Normandy, landing on Utah Beach with the 49th Engineer Combat Battalion. His unit moved through France and into Belgium. On December 16, 1944 (his 22nd birthday), the Germans launched a major attack that is referred to as the Battle of the Bulge. Following this attack they battled their way into Germany. In April 1945, his unit liberated a concentration camp near the city of Nordhausen, Germany. On April 26, 1945 they met the Russian forces along the Elbe River. George was discharged from the Army on December 3, 1945. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Meade and began his career as a businessman.
He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Fargo Masonic Lodge, and the Scottish Rite. He enjoyed woodworking, mechanical work, and spending time with his family and friends.
In 1943, he married Esther Ann Buttermore. She later passed away in 1950. On March 1, 1952, he married June Pippitt at Dodge City, Kansas. She survives.
Other survivors include two sons, David Golliher and Michael Kem Golliher; two daughters, Virginia Swanson and Becky Berryman; six grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his with Esther Ann Golliher; a daughter, Linda Diane Golliher; his parents; two brothers, Jerry Golliher and Hank Golliher; and two sisters, Maxine Sinden, and Lorene Vincent.
Private graveside services will be held at the Graceland Cemetery, Meade. There will be no public viewing as cremation has taken place.
The family would welcome memorials to the Skills USA or the American Legion in care of Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade.
Personal condolences may be given to the family at www.fidlerormebachmanmortuary.com