DRASCO — George R. Leever,

81, of Drasco, Ark., passed away at home the morning of December 22, 2022, with his wife by his side.

A memorial service was held Saturday, December 31, 202 at St. Barnabas Church in Heber Springs, Ark. He was born August 31, 1941, in South Haven, Mich., to Robert George and Frances Adelia Leever.

George graduated from South Haven High School in 1959 where he played Varsity Football and Track. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1963 and completed Flight Training in December of 1964. George served in Vietnam where he flew with VAL-4 Black Pony/ RVN (Combat Sorties 300+) 19711972. He retired as Captain (0-6) in 1990 and was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross.

George loved to fly and was employed as a pilot with Federal Express in 1974 where he flew DA-20 Falcon, B-727, and DC-10. He was a member of the Pilot’s Advisory Board and Line Check Airman retiring in 2001.

George loved to travel with his family and play golf. He was a member/Lay Reader of St. Barnabas Church in Heber Springs. He participated with the Memphis Chamber of Commerce as a member of the Military Affairs Council, a Life member of the Alumni Association, and Naval Reserve Association. George was a member of the NAAA and was a Blue and Gold Officer. He served as President of the Tannenbaum Property Owners Association Board of Directors for six years.

George was a loving husband, devoted father, and caring friend with a well-known peculiar sense of humor. He is preceded in death by his beloved mother and father, Robert and Frances Leever, and brother Michael. He is survived by his loving wife Barbara of 58 years, daughter Leigh Ann (Philip), and son Robert (Heather). He was dearly loved by his grandchildren Dalton (Brittany), Cody, Jacob, Madalyn (Caleb), Jonathan, Andrew and great-granddaughter,

Reese. George is also survived by his beloved sister, Joan McCloskey (Dick) and many loved nieces and nephews.

In the future he will be interred at the United States Naval Academy Columbarium.