George Karlton Beden, 101 of Nixa was born August 22, 1923 in Owasso, Michigan to Helen (Kline) and Earl Edward Beden.  He passed away December 23, 2024 in his home.

George was a 4th generation water well driller in Michigan.  He graduated at age 16 from Byron High School in Byron, Michigan and had to wait to turn 17 to join the CCC's (Civilian Conservation Corps which was started by President Roosevelt to help young boys learn a trade and earn money, most of their pay was sent home to their parents.  The depression was going on then).  George served 1 ½ years in Pellston, Michigan where they grew the trees that the CCC boys planted.

He joined the Navy in 1942 and served 2 ½ years in the Pacific.  His first ship was a mine sweeper.  His second ship was the U.S.S. Lauderdale, a troop transport.  He hit almost every island from the Gilberts to Okinawa.  He left the ship January 7, 1946.

In his spare time, George became a pilot and owned 7 airplanes and flew corporate executives for a coal company in Ohio.  He flew missionaries to meetings and went on mission trips to Africa (the Congo), South and Central America.  He did electrical, plumbing and carpentry work.  He loved to read, play the keyboard and paint pictures.

George was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Richard and Earl "Chuck" Beden; sister, Marilyn Summers; his first wife, Violet (Mack) Beden; two sons, George and Gregory; two great-grandchildren, Jessica Richardson and Evan.

He is survived by his wife, Myrna Beden; son, Gerald Beden; two daughters, Carla Valley and Carleen Richardson; two step-sons, Glenn and Darren Kunkel; 13 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of George's life will be Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm in Riverdale Baptist Church, Nixa.