George Monesmith

George W. Monesmith, 92, of Columbia City, Indiana, was called home to the Lord on December 4th, 2024, passing peacefully in a long-term care facility after having suffered a stroke earlier in 2024.

He was born on October 23rd, 1932, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After graduating from South Side High School, he went on to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War as an Intelligence Photographer on a B36 Bomber where his fellow crew member, good friend, and Pilot, gave him the call-sign “Lens cap”. Upon his return home from the service, he entered civilian work as a car salesperson where he met and married his wife, Phyllis Joan of 57 years.

George and Phyllis settled in New Haven, then moved to Leo, Churubusco, Fort Wayne, and finally, Columbia City where he lived his final years with his son Steve and Rachel. Once in Leo, he made a career in home construction and farming which he loved dearly.  As a contractor, he built many homes throughout Fort Wayne, Churubusco, and surrounding areas and was known for his giving and caring attitude.

George was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Joan (2013); his son, William Monesmith (Kathy) in 2004; his parents, George Washington Monesmith (1955) and Goldie Marie (McKeeman) Monesmith in 1967; his brother, Kenneth (Mary Katherine) in 2002; his sister, Elenore Hirschman (Howard) in 2008; and his niece, Deborah Hirschman in 1979.

He is survived by sons, Ronald Monesmith (Susan) of Fayetteville GA; Steven Monesmith (Rachel) of Columbia City; and his daughter, Ellen Gaff-Monesmith of Fort Wayne.  He is further survived by niece Mickie Jones of Fort Wayne; nephews, Kenneth Monesmith of Tennessee; Shayne Haid of Tennessee.

11 grandchildren: Kristin Hildreth (Chris) of Colorado; Lindsay Turner (Ian) of Georgia; Kelsey Bessey (Paul) of Georgia; Ryan Monesmith, Georgia; Seth Monesmith (Anakha) of South Whitley, Indiana; Zachary Monesmith (Monica) of Columbia City, Indiana; Felisha De Gordon of Warsaw, Indiana; Joshua Monesmith (Harmony) of Columbia City; Jaimi Dohrman (Bruce) of Alabama; Levi Gaff of Florida; and Alyssa Gaff of Ft Wayne, Indiana.  He was also blessed with 13 great grandchildren.

George’s greatest joys in life were being with and traveling by car to spend time with loved ones, listening to classical or jazz music, and discussing historical events, especially about the Civil War. 

George’s remains will be placed in the Riverview Cemetery in Churubusco, Indiana. A memorial service and Remembrance of Life celebration will be held next spring at Riverview Cemetery.

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