George Tanner McQueen Sr. passed away peacefully July 25, 2012, in Sacramento, Calif., at the age of 84.

His life began on May 27, 1928, in Shelbyville, Ind., the only child to Noble and Marie McQueen.

His life continued west to California where he attended and graduated from McFarland High School in 1946 and continued his education at Glad Tidings Bible College (later named Bethany Bible College) in San Francisco, Calif., where he earned a bachelor of arts degree and ministerial license in 1949.  

By God’s divine providence, salvation came in the guise of a young woman named Olive and they were married April 19, 1948.

George pastored and planted churches throughout Northern California including Dixon, Lower Lake, Fort Bragg and Hidden Valley Lake. Along with pastoring these churches, he was integral in their construction, helping build two new church buildings along with many residential homes which he built with his son, Mike.

George served as a district presbyter for the Northern Section of the Assemblies of God from 1960 to 1970. He also helped manage Floyd Fultz’s Pear Orchard and Nursery, dabbled in real estate, and, in his 70s, drove a late night courier shift throughout Sonoma County.

George loved many aspects of life. He loved to read, follow the SF Giants and 49ers, Stanford Cardinals and listen to his beloved Country Gospel music.

He and Olive were permanent fixtures on the gym bleachers at Kelseyville and Clear Lake High School, where he watched his sons and grandchildren play sports and music. If you listen closely, you can still hear his booming voice “expressing his opinions” to the referees and umpires.

George cherished his wife, family and friends. His gregarious, honest demeanor could engage anyone in conversation and, to those who knew him, his voice was ever present in their lives.

Above all, George exhibited his devotion to Christ and built a legacy for those around him of faith and prayer. He was always praising, thanking, questioning and worshiping his Creator, even in the most difficult times.  

At the age of 78, he traveled to Siberia, Russia on a mission trip for two weeks. On that trip, he ministered numerous times and helped with construction on the new church building. He continued his active lifestyle until his death last month.

George is survived by his wife of 64 years, Olive; sons, George Jr., Michael and David McQueen; daughters-in-law, Marsha and Tamah McQueen; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Noble and Marie McQueen, and daughter-in-law Mary (Beth) McQueen.

There will be a service of celebration to honor his life on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012, at 1 p.m. at Lakeport Christian Center, 455 N. Forbes St, in Lakeport, Calif, the same church where he and his bride were married 64 years ago.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be given to George’s lifelong passion, the establishing of Home Mission Churches at: Home Missions (Assemblies of God), Acct. 26120010, P.O. Box 293510, Sacramento, CA 95829-3510.