George A. O'Hanlon

George A. O'Hanlon, of Whitesboro, passed away on Saturday, March 19, 2011, at his residence. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Dannel Funeral Home. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 23, at 11 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sherman, with the Rev. Jeremy Myers as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. A Rosary was recited Tuesday at Dannel Funeral Home.
George led a humble, full life, touching the lives of many with his involvement and interaction with others. A proud Irishman, he was always ready with a joke and eager to discuss his conservative thinking. His country upbringing gave him the practical way of thinking for which he was known. Agriculture was always important in his life as he spent many days and summers on the original O'Hanlon family land in west Sherman with his two aunts. He combined his father's Irish mischievousness and his mother's German sternness.
In his youth George was a Cub Scout, 4-H member, altar boy, and a Future Farmer of America (serving as Sherman FFA president and receiving the coveted Lone Star Farmer degree). He attended St. Joseph's Academy and graduated from Sherman High School. Beginning at the age of 11, he became involved in raising registered Hampshire hogs. Over the years, he and his wife, Betty, whom he married on Dec. 23, 1960 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, showed hogs across the state, winning recognition several times: including Champion, Reserve Champion, and Exhibitor Housekeeping awards.
George was a proud member of the National Swine Registry and North Texas Pork Producers. He passed his passion on to his sons, who also exhibited Hampshire hogs as they grew up. He received his 30 year service award from Reedrill, and retired three years later. At Reedrill he served as a leader and officer of the United Steelworkers of America, AFL-CIO-CLC District 37.
He was instrumental in forming the first S&S Athletic Boosters club, serving as president for three years. He was involved in reorganizing the S&S Cub Scouts and Cloverleaf 4-H Club. He was an active member of the S&S PTO and recipient of the Honorary FFA Chapter Farmer Degree of S&S. A proud honor he received was the ""Gung Ho Aggie Parent Award"" in 1985.
After retiring, George developed an interest in Simmental cattle and raised them with his wife Betty. He also took great pride in finding bargains on his computer as he became highly skilled in ""surfing the net.""
George is preceded in death by his parents (Adrian and Kathryn O'Hanlon), his aunts (Leona and Madeline O'Hanlon), uncle John O'Hanlon, sister (Billye Harrison), and brother-in-law (James Herod).
George's survivors who will pass on his wit and wisdom are: Betty, his wife of 50 years; son Adrian O'Hanlon and wife Ginny of Gunter; son Anthony O'Hanlon and wife Cim of Pottsboro; sister Bea Harmon and husband R.C. of Sherman; sister Mary Harmon and husband Jim of Corpus Christi; cousins Ginger Elliott, Betty Sue (Chris) Bacile of Richardson, Mary Jane Krebbs of Holly Lake Ranch, and Joe Frank Dorn of Arlington; brother in law Maury Harrison of Illinois. Grandchildren are: Adrian O'Hanlon III of College Station, Ryan and Ross O'Hanlon of Gunter, Macie and Madeline O'Hanlon of Pottsboro, and other survivors include 8 nieces and nephews.
Honorary pallbearers are his classmates, ""The Boys and Girls of SHS class of 1959,"" who will be directed by Glen Beall and Jim Jones. Pallbearers will be: Shon Faulkner, Lanny Jaresh, Jason Jaresh, Gary Ferrier, Charlie Weess, Alex Cummings, Marlin Cobb and Scott Whitney.
George believed it was best to live, love, and laugh as we honor him in joy with a Celebration of Life knowing that death takes us to a better place.
He will always be remembered as ""Daddy"" at Boys Night Out, and ""Grandpa"" at Cardinal and Tiger games. His love in life was being a fan at his sons' games which later became his interest with his grandchildren in Pottsboro and Gunter. Even during the Jones era, George was a loyal Cowboy fan who admired the ways of Coach Landry.
For years, George kept in contact with Texas A&M Aggies at livestock shows across Texas. This prompted his desire to have his sons become Aggies. His wish became reality as both Adrian and Anthony graduated as Aggies. That legacy continues. His Grandson Adrian III will graduate this year from Texas A&M. All of his other grandchildren plan to attend Texas A&M.
George's family extends a warm and appreciative thank you to Home Hospice of Grayson County. Thanks especially to his caregivers: Stefanie Riley, Paula, Rhonda, Julie, Donna, Teryn, Mary, Jenna, Michelle, and Pam. Thanks also to Dr. Davis and Dr. Barker for their concern and care. The family would like to thank all who brought food and words of encouragement.
In order to continue the missions of Home Hospice's loving care and research by the American Cancer Society, in lieu of flowers, the family asks you to contribute in George's name directly to: Home Hospice of Grayson County (P.O. Box 2306 Sherman, Texas 75091-2306), or for pancreatic cancer research to the local ACS (American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 560089 Dallas, Texas 75356).
You may sign the online guestbook at www.dannel funeralhome.com.