George Cleland Fennell

George Cleland Fennell died peacefully in his home on Thursday, April 23 in Nixa, Missouri, at the age of 82 after a long battle with liver cancer. George is survived by his wife, Phyllis Claypool Adams Fennell, of Nixa, Missouri; two daughters, Carla Fennell of East Peoria, Illinois, and Karen Fennell of St. Louis, Missouri; two step-daughters, Allison Adams Welch of Collierville, Tennessee, and Aimee Adams Starkey of Camdenton, Missouri; a sister, Betty Jane Allen of Cadiz, Kentucky; four nephews, two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and step-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Juanita Smith Fennell, both of Murray, Kentucky; a sister, Dorothy Nell Bland of Glendale, Arizona; one niece and one nephew. George was born on March 8,1933, in Golden Pond, Kentucky. Shortly after high school, George joined the United States Air Force on March 14, 1952, in Owensboro, Kentucky. His assignments included Lackland AFB in Texas, Kirtland AFB in New Mexico, Eglin AFB in Florida, and overseas duty in Korea. He was discharged from active service on March 13, 1956, with the following military awards: Korean Service Medal, UN Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and a Korean War Medal. George then remained active in the Air Force Reserve until 1963. After his time in the military, George resided in East Peoria, Illinois and worked as a heavy equipment operator for Operating Engineers Local #649. After retiring to Cadiz, KY, George met Phyllis, whom he married in 2002. They enjoyed RV traveling and gardening, and were members of Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri. In October, 2009, George was diagnosed with liver cancer, which he fought valiantly, along with the help of Phyllis, whom he referred to as his "earth angel". George was a generous individual with an infectious wit who was passionate about enjoying life and spending time with family and friends. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. A memorial service will be 2:00 P.M. Sunday, May 3, 2015 in Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, Missouri with Lance Welch officiating. All are welcome to attend and celebrate George's life. Condolences can be made online at adamsfuneralhome.net. A second memorial and interment will be 1:00 P.M. Saturday, May 23, 2015 in Kings Funeral Home, Cadiz, Kentucky burial will follow in East End Cemetery Cadiz, Kentucky.