George Wilfred Winstanley

WINSTANLEY, George Wilfred  Age 85, of Linden, died Saturday, December 31, 2005 at McLaren Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Wednesday, January 4, 2006 at St. Judes Episcopal Church, 106 E. Elizabeth St., Fenton, The Rev. Josh Hoover will officiate. Visitation will be held 1-3 & 5-8 PM Tuesday at Sharp Funeral Homes, Linden Chapel, 209 E. Broad St., Linden. Those desiring may make contributions to the American Lung Association. George was born May 20, 1920, a British subject, in Cawnpore, India, the son of James and Rebecca Winstanley. He returned to England to be educated at age 17, where he would graduate with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1941, he joined the Royal Air Force, serving as a Flight Lieutenant in WWII. He flew 38 missions over Germany and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. On June 20, 1943, he was married to Elizabeth Ellen Smalley of Swartz Creek, Michigan. Following his wartime service, he came to America and became a naturalized citizen in 1947. George was employed by Michigan Consolidated Gas Company in Detroit, he retired in 1982 with 35 years of service. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; daughters, Candace Raney, Deborah and husband Rodney Campbell, Trudy and husband Dennis VanKoevering; grandchildren, Brett and Evan Raney, Alex and Jacob Campbell, Leigh and James George VanKoevering; sisters, Lillian and Winifred. Friends may share an on-line condolence for the family or post a tribute at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com