July 28, 1919 ~ Nov. 12, 2018
United States Army Brigadier General (Ret.) George Elmer Wear passed away peacefully at the age of 99 surrounded by family at The Fairfax Retirement Community in Virginia on Monday, Nov. 12, 2018.
He is survived by Betty, his loving wife of 68 years, daughters Trish Thomas (Bob) and Jessie Napolitano (Sam) and son George Wear, and three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. George was preceded in death by his parents George and Bessie (Maudlin) Wear, his sisters Elinor Wear [Anderson] and Mary Wear [Villa], and his brother Alva R. “Al” Wear. George was born July 28, 1919, and raised on a ranch in Western Colorado on the White River and in the town of Meeker. George attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated with a commission as a lieutenant on June 6, 1944 (Normandy D-Day). He was sent to Europe with the 106th Division. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge where he was wounded and hospitalized in England. He returned to his unit just prior to VE Day and spent the next two years with the occupation forces in Germany. George later served in Korea and two tours in Vietnam. During his military career he received 22 decorations including the Combat Infantry Badge in three wars for which he was most proud. He retired from the military in 1974 as a Brigadier General.
Upon retiring, he and Betty spent 34 years in their beloved Colorado in the town of Glenwood Springs. After initially working for the state and Mid Continent Resources mining company, George fully retired spending time with his wife and family, participating in community service, and becoming an avid hiker, skier, golfer and vegetable gardener. With his hiking group, he logged 4,000 mountain miles, which included climbing 22 of Colorado’s peaks over 14,000 feet.
In 2008 George and Betty moved to The Fairfax at Ft Belvoir, Va., and enjoyed 10 years reconnecting with old military friends and visits from family.
A memorial service will be held at The Fairfax (9140 Belvoir Woods Parkway, Ft Belvoir, Va.) on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 10 a.m.
