Michael Wayne George's Obituary
Michael "Mike" Wayne George, 60, of Columbus Grove, passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, May 2, 2026, after a courageous fight against pancreatic cancer.
Mike was born on September 1, 1965, in Bluffton, Ohio, to Milo W. George and the late JoAnn (Jones) George of Pandora, Ohio. On June 25, 1988, he married Julia R. (Knisely) George, who survives him.
For 34 years, Mike taught Industrial Technology at both the high school and college levels. Teaching was not just his profession - it was his calling. He loved sharing knowledge with anyone eager to learn. He coached varsity football at Kenton, Allen East, and Pandora‑Gilboa High Schools, and during his time at Allen East, he founded the school's wrestling program. After retiring from teaching, Mike continued serving others as the Chore Supervisor for the Putnam County Council on Aging. Whether in the classroom or helping those 60 and better remain in their homes, Mike was happiest when he was serving, encouraging, and lifting others up. Many remember his guiding phrase based on Ephesians 4:29, "Use only kind words. Ones that build each other up and provide what is needed so they are encouraged by you."
Mike is survived by his wife and their three children, whom he loved with all his heart and of whom he was tremendously proud; Jayma (Logan) Hazelbaker, West Chester, Ohio, Zachary (Jacey Higbie) George, Findlay, Ohio and Zebulon (Emma) George, Carey, Ohio. He was an extremely proud and loving Pawpaw to Landon and Maggie Hazelbaker of West Chester, Ohio, and eagerly awaited the arrival of Michelle George, currently due in just a few days, of Carey, Ohio.
He is also survived by his father, Milo W. George, Pandora, Ohio; his sister, Judith Coeling, Centerville, Ohio; nephews Aaron (Melissa) Coeling, Mount Pleasant, Michigan; Bryant Coeling, Dayton, Ohio; and Chad (Lynnea) Coeling, Fort Wayne, Indiana; great‑nieces Lacey and Monica Coeling, Fort Wayne, Indiana; great‑nephew Theo Coeling, Mount Pleasant, Michigan and brother-in-law, Jason (Irene) Knisely, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Mike was preceded in death by his mother, JoAnn George.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Pandora Missionary Church, 300 Rocket Ridge, Pandora, Ohio with visitation one hour prior from 10:00 am - 11:00 am. Pastor Matt Steiner officiating. Visitation will also be Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Pandora Missionary Church. The family asks for anyone who would like to, to join them in showing and wearing their Ohio State Buckeye or Pandora-Gilboa Rocket Pride in honor of Mike's two favorite teams. The family is inviting anyone who wishes to speak at the funeral; instead of speaking, tributes and memories may be sent to the family to be shared during the service. A graveside to follow at Truro Cemetery, Columbus Grove.
In lieu of flowers, Mike requested that donations be made to Tunnel to Towers https://www.t2t.org and/or Wounded Warriors Project https://support.woundedwarrioproject.org, organizations close to his heart. To share online condolences please visit www.hartmanfunerals.com.
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