George Jesse "G.J." Six

George Jesse "G.J." Six, 78 and a half years of age, Holiday, Fla., died Monday, April 4, 2005, at the Marliere Hospice Care Center in New Port Richey, Fla. A memorial service in celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, April 23, at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler, at 2 p.m. Contributions may be made to the Hospice Center in Florida or locally of a charity of your choice.

Over the years, G.J. worked at a variety of occupations, but was always involved in one way or another with Angus cattle. It was while working for Armand Hammer as a herdsman, feeding and fitting show cattle on the Shadow Isle Farm in Red Bank, N.J., that he met his wife, Reine. They were married in Avon-by the-Sea, N.J., on G.J.'s birthday, Sept. 25, 1954. Back in Bates County, he worked as an auctioneer, wheat farmer, debt collector, farm equipment salesman, ASCS office manager, insurance salesman and raising Registered Angus cattle on the farm west of Adrian.

G.J. was always people oriented and in his own quiet way contributed to the welfare of his community by becoming active in organizations which had goals that would benefit the community. At some time in his life, he was a member of the Bates County Fair Board, Lions club, Masons, Shrine Club as well as his college fraternity. He was always willing to volunteer help and/or advice but only when asked.

G.J. has three daughters, all born while he lived in Adrian. In 1969, the family moved to Butler and this was home until September 2004, when, because of poor health, it was decided that he should move somewhere closer to his girls. Holiday, Fla., was the chosen site.

G.J. was preceded in death by his father, C.A. Six. He is survived by his mother, Naomi Six, of Adrian; his wife, Reine, of the home; and three daughters, Claudia Mitcham and husband, Carroll, of Smyrna, Ga., Jamie Durso and husband, Jim, of New Port Richey, Fla., and Jodi Laffoon and husband, Jeff, of Mooresville, N.C.; one brother, Harold and wife, Thelma; two grandchildren, Jeff and Kacie Durso; and aunts, uncles, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that he cherished.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 23, at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660) 679-6555 in Butler with Brother Paul Burhart officiating.