On the evening of February 5th, 2022, George Edward Donnelly, 80, of Helena, MT, passed away at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls after a short battle with cancer while surrounded by his family. George lived a life of service to his family and country.
George was born in Goose Creek, Texas on July 3, 1941 to Richard and Lucretia Donnelly. He graduated from Robert E Lee High School in 1959. George was an Eagle Scout, an avid hunter and excellent sportsman. He shot his first deer at 16 years of age and worked for years at Uncle Joe’s filling station. In 1963 he graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with a bachelor’s degree.
George entered the Air Force at Lackland AFB, Texas in 1964. His military assignments included Supply Operations Officer; Missile Launch Officer; Supply Management Assistant; Comptroller; and Support Personnel Management Officer to mention a few. In 1977 he received his Master of Science from Troy State University in Alabama. His military education includes Officer Training School, USAF Officers Supply Course, Squadron Officer Course and Air Command and Staff College in residence at Maxell AFB, Alabama.
The most life altering part of his career occurred in 1968 while stationed on Johnston Atoll in the South Pacific. George received orders to Malmstrom AFB, Montana, and he had to go to the base library to see where Montana really was. Montana quickly became such a special part of his journey both professionally and personally.
George has two sons; Dan Donnelly who was born in 1970 at Malmstrom AFB, MT. Doug Donnelly was born in 1986 in Great Falls, MT.
On July 3rd, 1992 George married the love of his life, Virginia Gale Beattie. Over the years Virginia and George, along with their many friends, traveled all over the world doing what they loved, hunting. George enjoyed showing his friends the many special places Montana had to offer. George had a passion for hunting, travel and food. He was known for his infectious smile, giving nature and always enjoying the view. George was rich in lifelong friends.
At the time of Retirement, in 2002, George was the United States Property and Fiscal Officer for Montana. He was appointed as USPFO in 1990. He was responsible to receive and account for all federal funds and property in the possession of the Montana National Guard.
His numerous awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leave Cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Missleman Badge.
George was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Lucretia Donnelly; brother-in-law, Rodney Allison; uncle and aunt, Joe (Zerline) Leatherwood.
George is survived by his wife of 29 years, Virginia Donnelly; sister, Margaret Allison; children, Dan (Sarah) Donnelly, Doug Donnelly, Michael (Darci) Beattie, Shantel (Ed) Herman; grandchildren, Searra, Aspen and Phoenix Donnelly, Logan and Gavin Beattie, Baylee, Macy and Shyanne Herman, Karter and Korbyn Jurenka. Along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
A Fellowship will start at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 14, 2022 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m., at the Funeral Home. Burial with Military Honors will be held at 12:30 pm. at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. Coffee and cookies will be held in the Social Hall of the Funeral Home following the burial.
The family has requested that all memorial donations be made to the Great Falls Clinic Legacy Foundation. www.gfclegacy.org, (406) 216-8057, gfclegacy@gmail.com
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
10:00 a.m.
Monday February 14, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 14, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
12:30 p.m.
Monday February 14, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Coffee and Cookies
Following the Burial
Monday February 14, 2022
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
10:00 a.m.
Monday February 14, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 14, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
12:30 p.m.
Monday February 14, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Coffee and Cookies
Following the Burial
Monday February 14, 2022
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Robert Hines says
Will miss our visits when he made it to Baytown. Our families have been friends from the 1930’s. Prayer to the family.
George Elledge says
George was one of those people that sucked the oxygen out of a room when he arrived! We shared many hunts around the campfire ! Our lives traveled many of the same paths starting at the University of Texas where we spent more time deer 🦌 hunting then at the library . We both retired as Full Colonels and most amazing our boys were born months apart and many years apart !
I consider George 2 as my best friend ever ! He was caring and knew when to be where he was needed. While he did say a lot and took charge , his very presence was all that was required!
An Amazing friend that is missed !
Colonel George Elledge , retired
John & Cherie Dahl says
George was a good friend beginning with our National Guard days and ending with Friday morning coffee ☕️ with several retired soldiers. Always enjoyed George’s hunting and rodeo stories along with talking about the military . Our thoughts and prayers 🙏 are with you Virginia and the rest of the family.
The Holsomback Family says
We are deeply saddened to hear of George’s passing. He was a steadfast friend and will be missed. We will hold you all in the light and wish for sweet and joyous memories to fill your hearts.
Grant Bebee says
I only new George for a short time, but he left a very strong and memorable impression on me. He was a good man with a good soul. God Bless you, George. Rest in Peace.
Russ Jacques says
Virginia, my thoughts are with you. Always had a laugh when I would see George. He helped me many times which I appreciated.
John Ball says
John Ball
What an honor to have the fortune to be able to travel the country both in the hills aboard a horse and all over Montana and several trips all over the United States. I have had lots of good friends in my life and George is right up there with best of them. Virginia he was so bless to have you by his side to share adventures with and to help him spread that infectious smile all over Gods creation . RIP pard until we meet again!
JB
michael p mcguire says
Virginia, very sad to see George’s passing at this time. I will remember him always with Dad and he fishing and telling stories at the cabin. Also a double loss with the passing of your Mom at this time. Thinking about you and yours.
Al Garver says
I met George in 2004 in the lobby of Edwards Aviation in Billings. I was there to be interviewed for a position on the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial team. A Blackhawk flies in and a civilian gets off and walks in. It was George. I was blessed to have worked for him for three years travelling the country with that team. He was always open to new ideas, outgoing, and he clearly loved people. (He loved a good joke, too). He will be missed.
JimMc Carvel says
George was a leader that positively impacted several functions in the 120th. He will be missed by all that knew him. My sympathies to the Donnelly family Jim McCarvel
Mike, Pam, Jacob & Heather Yaeger says
Virginia & Family, I worked for the Colonel for 8 years and he became a part of our Family’s life. We always counted him as a Friend! I am a better man for have known him. We even had the opportunity to meet and have lunch with his Mom in “Goose Creek”. At the door she said “Oh, you are George Edward’s friends” I said “well Ma’am, I call him Colonel. I hope God will comfort you in his absence and help you daily as you adjust to life now. Thank you!
Scott Marshall says
while i was only able to get to know george over the past few years, i really enjoyed our time together. what a generous and humble person he was. sharing hunting stories with him was one of my favorite parts of the week. will always remember him fondly and he will be missed.
Linda & Ron Schofield says
We were your neighbors when you lived on Ferry Road. I’ll never forget the Christmas Eve 1994 on a Delta flight returning to Helena. George spotted me as he was walking down the aisle. He offered some much-needed consideration since I had just gone through my Dad’s funeral and had exhausted myself getting his house in New Mexico cleaned out by myself and ship furniture home to Helena. Ron had to keep our business running, Craig and Wendy were in school. George was so kind to offer me his sympathy at my lowest point. I returned as a zombie and the endless days that seemed to never end were so exhausting. We are sorry we cannot attend the funeral, but I am in kidney dialysis treatment M-W-F and times are not flexible. We will be thinking of you. Linda
Bill Zieber, Former USPFO Ohio & California says
George was truly a fine officer and gentleman. He was a leader and passionate about the military and this country he loved. He was a mentor to many of us and a friend to all of us. I was very honored when George asked me to come to Montana to help select his replacement when he was ready to retire. But he couldn’t stay away long and took on the daunting task of the cross-country Lewis and Clark Reenactment. He had a big heart and an equally big sense of humor. He loved family and he loved life. I can only imagine how Heaven will change with George up there, but I know there will be a void down here without him. A life well-lived; a job well done. I salute you, George. Rest in peace, my friend. Prayers to Virginia and all those he left behind.
Stacy Day Griessmer says
Virginia,
So sorry to read about George’s passing, I was so happy for you when he came into your life, he brought that sparkle back into your eye. You shared many happy years together, and when I was lucky enough to run into you, you always were so excited for you adventure with George. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Stacy Day Griessmer
Skip & Valarie Cooper says
Virginia and family, Sorry to read about George’s passing, May the Lord provide you with Loving and Happy Memories to help heal the ache in your hearts from losing a loved one. George was one of a kind and it was a pleasure to talking to him when our paths crossed. He will be truly missed by all that knew him. With Our Deepest Sympathy, Thoughts and Prayers.
Karen Rigney says
Sorry to learn of George;s passing. Bob spoke of him often. Karen Rigney
Marlene Kemmis says
Virginia,
I was speaking today with my sister in Montana and she told me that George had passed away. I remember when he came into your life you became a new person. So in love and your eyes sparkled and your face beamed. I remember you told me you were so happy to marry your best friend. I will pray for you and your family and GOD bless you. From Marlene Kemmis in Texas.