OBITUARY: George Edward Hinkle, 86, of Marble Falls dies June 4, 2014
George Edward Hinkle passed away peacefully after a brief illness June 4, 2014. He was born Jan. 8, 1928, in Donna, Texas, and was a young 86 years.
George attended Donna High School, where he was active in football and track. He graduated from Southwest Texas Teachers College (now Texas State University), where he lettered in football.
George served as a first lieutenant in the Army National Guard for a brief period of time. He then spent most of his working career in the farming/citrus industry and retired from Crest Fruit Co. in Alamo, Texas.
George was an avid handball player for more than 30 years, but his true love was his airplanes. He earned his pilot’s license at 19 and flew his Bonanza until he was 75. After retiring from flying, he built more than 30 model airplanes, which his grandchildren and great-grandchildren will enjoy.
George was active in his community as a member of the San Juan Lion’s Club, the McAllen Rotary Club and the Marble Falls Rotary Club. He served on the McAllen Airport Board as a member and a chairman. He was also on the Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 2 board. As a member of his most recent church, First United Methodist Church of Marble Falls, he continued his love of singing in the church choir as he had enjoyed for more than 50 years.
George loved his Lord, life and family. He never missed a dance recital or sporting event of his kids, grandkids or great-grandkids.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jane Ellen Mellenbruch Hinkle; three children, Debbie (Lamar) Smith of Marble Falls, Lisa (Scott) Little of Andrew and Chip (D’Ann) Hinkle of Houston; grandchildren, Trey Hinkle, Merideth Hinkle, Chris (Dana) Little, Kyle (Michelle) Little, Melissa (Kelly) Brown, Heather (Todd) Smith, Phillip (Rebecca) Fitch, Walker (Kara) Smith, Aaron (Maggie) Smith and Graham (Jennifer) Smith; and great-grandchildren, Brennan, Caden and Lynnlee Little, Madison and Taylor Smith, Ellie and Joshua Fitch, Parker and Sadie Smith and Jackson and Caroline Smith.
A funeral service is 10 a.m. June 9 at First United Methodist Church of Marble Falls with the Revs. Ellen Ely and Jon Weems officiating. Burial will be at Lakeland Hills Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Marble Falls or Hospice Austin’s Christopher House.
Arrangements by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 1805 U.S. 281 North in Marble Falls, (830) 693-4373. Go to www.clementswilcoxfuneralhome.com to offer condolences.