Ivan, George, 96, died Tuesday. George was a first generation American being born April 11, 1917, Herkimer, New York, to Andrew & Elizabeth (Dudik) Ivan. Anyone familiar with Tom Brokaw's book, "The Greatest Generation" will also know quite a bit about George. When WWII started George joined the Army.

He trained as a radio operator gunner. The rest of George's life was spent in aviation. He had found his calling. George flew at least 20 combat missions before the war ended.

He served in the European Theatre serving as a B-17 waist gunner and radioman. His experiences are nothing less than epic.

After the war George returned to Tulsa, OK to attend Spartan School of Aeronautics. He became a licensed aircraft avionics repairman.

He was hired by American Airlines and remained in Tulsa for the remainder of his life, working for American until his retirement in 1979. He married Lucile Campbell in 1961, they enjoyed a great life together until her death in 1995. George was a good & moral man, loved & respected by all who knew him.

George is survived by his Brother, Andrew Ivan, Brisbane, Australia, Niece, Lynell Gallagher & husband, Peter, Brisbane, Australia, Nephew: Wayne, his wife Tammy, Florida & step-son, Ken Campbell, his wife Pat, Tulsa, OK.

Services will be 1:30 p.m. Monday, April 29, 2013, Kirk of the Hills. In lieu of flowers, friends may Contribute to Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Moore's Southlawn 663-2233 share memories at

www.moorefuneral.com