George D. FrenchMelvern, KS

George Delbert French, 87, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2024 at his home in Melvern, Kansas. Mass of Christian Burial well be held at 10:00am, Friday, November 15, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Waverly, Kansas. Rosary will be held at 6pm, Thursday, November 14, 2024, followed by a visitation from 6:30 to 7:30 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Waverly, Kansas.

George was born on May 14, 1937 near Madison, Kansas, the son of Wallace and Ruth French. He graduated from Waverly High School in 1955.

On September 17, 1955 he married Janet Louise Korbe at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Waverly, Kansas where he has been a member since 1955. They made their home for the past sixty-nine years in the community of Melvern, Kansas.  Starting their early years in Melvern, then moving to a small farm southwest of town, only to return to the city of Melvern in 1974 where they currently reside.

For leisure, George enjoyed being outdoors, doing chores, taking care of his mules, horses, goats, as well as driving the tractor and putting up hay. He also enjoyed going on trail rides, and spending time with his family and friends.
George worked for the Santa Fe Railroad for 42 years, retiring in May of 1994. George, and his wife Janet owned and operated French’s Cafe in Melvern, Kansas for a number of years.

After retirement, George and Janet traveled to Texas during the winter months to enjoy warmer weather, visit with family and friends, and go dancing nearly everyday. Only God knows how many miles George has danced through the years.
George is survived by his wife Janet French of the home; son Gary (Debbie) French of Melvern, KS; and daughters Diane (Perry) Chapman of Waverly, KS and Marcia (Terry) Thompson of Emporia, KS; six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Helen R. Johnson and her husband Kenneth, Topeka, KS, sister-in-laws; LouAnn Korbe, Topeka, KS, Carol (Jim) Williams, Phoenix, AZ, Jane (Russ) Heinen, Meriden, KS, Judy (Mike) Nunamaker, Lomalinda, KS; brother-in-laws; Meryl Yockey, Wichita, KS, Roy Korbe, Wichita, KS.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Ruth French, brother-in-laws; Ted Hull, Harold Korbe, Norman Korbe, and Glen Fellers, sister-in-laws: Wilma Hull, Marilyn Yockey, and Ellen Fellers.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Waverly, Kansas, or Hand in Hand Hospice, Emporia, Kansas.