George Wilson McEachern (Plainview)

George Wilson McEachern, 92, formerly of Plainview, passed away on Sunday, January 9, 2011 at Bee Hive Homes of Lubbock where he was a resident. Funeral Services will be conducted in the First Baptist Church Family Life Chapel of Plainview on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 11:00 a.m., with Mr. Danny Andrews of Wayland Baptist University, officiating. Burial will follow in Parklawn Memorial Gardens. Funeral arrangements are under the auspices of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Plainview. The family will receive guests in the Parlor of the church at 10:00 a.m. Wilson was born on October 6, 1918 in Holtville, California to Irvin Doyle and Lula Ann McEachern, and was one of nine children. The family moved to Crosbyton, Texas in 1930. In 1937, Wilson graduated from Crosbyton High School and attended Howard Payne University for two years until World War II intervened. He married Eva Jean Houser on July 19, 1942 in Pasadena, California. After receiving army basic training at Ft. Bliss, Wilson saw active duty in France and Germany in the Seventh Army Rainbow Division under General Patch. On March 19, 1945, he was grievously wounded by German gunfire as his division fought its way across the Rhine River. Following a lengthy hospitalization, he was honorably discharged. During his military service, he received the Purple Heart medal, bronze service star, good conduct medal, and the American Theater medal. In recognition of his sacrifice, Wilson was presented the Plainview Daily Herald Patriotism Award. Following his military service, Wilson enrolled in Texas Tech University and completed his degree in business administration, graduating in August 1949. He then returned to Crosby County and began his life-long career as a West Texas farmer. He was an extremely devoted fan of his beloved Red Raiders, holding season tickets to football and basketball games for many years. In 1963, Wilson moved his family to Plainview, Texas where he was very devoted to and involved in church and community service. He attended First Baptist Church where he taught Sunday school for many years and served also as Chairman of the Deacons. Wilson sought to advance the culture of Plainview by his involvement in the Knife and Fork Club where he served as President. His great love was for Toastmasters where he was awarded the highest recognized honor of being a Distinguished Toastmaster. Wilson and Jean traveled across the country attending Toastmaster conventions and greatly enjoyed the many trips taken in their motor home with their friends in the local chapter of the Good Sam’s Club. They also traveled abroad visiting such countries as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, England, Sweden, and Norway. Wilson is survived by his wife, Jean. On July 19, 2010, they celebrated 68 years of marriage. He is also survived by their three children, Karen McEachern Palmer and husband Bruce of Lubbock, Larry W. McEachern and wife Gail of Lubbock, and Susan McEachern Smith and husband Barry of Fort Worth; together with nine grandchildren, Chad Palmer, Brian Palmer, Amber Palmer Rodriguez, Janae Palmer, Audrey Dethloff, Brittany McEachern, Ty Smith, Shelby Smith and Madison Smith and three great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Harvey, of Lubbock. Wilson was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers Fynus, Vernon, Lee, Truitt, Eldon, and Weldon, and one sister, Opal. Online condolences can be made at www.kornerstonefunerals.com