George Lucius Walbeck

George Lucius Walbeck, 81, of Huron, passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024, surrounded by family.

George was born on April 11, 1943, in West Mayfield, PA, as Lucius George Rice to biological parents Lucius A. and Hazel Louise (Cain) Rice. He was lovingly adopted at the age of 5 by Charles Edward Walbeck and Genevieve Margaruite (Andrews) Walbeck. In his last memory of his father, he asked that he always be a good boy as he hugged him goodbye. He kept this promise.

George retired as a First Sergeant (1SG) after proudly serving in the U.S. Army from 1961 until February 29, 1984. During his service, he was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in Vietnam, as well as the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm and the Vietnam Campaign Medal, among numerous other medals and honors. George exemplified valor and honor throughout his life.

Following in the footsteps of his father, C.E.W., George became a Mason in 1979 when he petitioned Plato Lodge #469 in Missouri and was raised to Master Mason the same year. In 1990, he affiliated with Marks Lodge #359 in Huron, Ohio, and maintained his connection with Masonic Lodge #359 in Sandusky, Ohio. Over his 46 years as a Mason, George achieved the distinction of Knight of the York Cross of Honor through Ohio Priory No. 18 KYCH.

George had a creative and hardworking spirit, serving as "The Sign Maker" on the Frontier Trail at Cedar Point for 12 years. He had a passion for woodworking, crafting countless honor plaques for the Ohio Quarter Horse Congress, unique custom projects for friends and acquaintances, and supporting the Texas Tri County Toy Run for over 30 years. He also loved hunting, fishing, and riding his Harley alongside his wife, which brought him immense joy. He truly was a man who dedicated his life to helping others and wanted his great-grandson, Jace, to know he needed to throw them high as "We have the same arms."

George is survived by his beloved bride of 61 years, Siglinde Erika (Braun) Walbeck; son, Charles Wilhelm Walbeck; daughter, Dianna Terri Walbeck-Green (Gregory Allen Green); grandchildren, Erika Maria (Jason) Leake, Elizabeth Heaven-Leigh Green (Greg Cottrell), Ellissa Dianne Green, Natasha Marie Walbeck, Genevieve Rose (Justin) Thompson, and Charles Walbeck; great-grandchildren, Joshua Jace Singleton, Brantley Allen Cottrell, Teagen Heaven-Leigh Cottrell, and Owen Thompson; sister, Mary Ellen Smith Roberson; brother in law, Don Miears; nephews, Bobby Ohly, Duane Ohly, Jimmy Miears, Jay Miears, Tommy Miears, and Ralph Welsh II; and beloved nieces, Susie Ohly Bauermeister, Florence Vignola Long, Raquel Welsh-Troester, Leslie Miears Bixby, and Jaimie Hanlon.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Dianne R. (Walbeck) Miears, Francis J. Rice 1941-1942, and William (Rice)Welsh.

A memorial service with honors will be held at a later date at Fort Knox Military Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George’s memory to CVMA Chapter 12-5, 8732 County Road 30, Galion, OH 44833. Funds will support service animals for veterans in need.

Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, Huron, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.fosterfh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George Lucius Walbeck, please visit our floral store.