GEORGE EDWARD DEMOIN

George Edward Demoin was born on February 12, 1949, in Pittsfield, Illinois to Zera and Jessie Demoin. George graduated from South San Antonio High School and went on to serve in the Army Reserves, where he worked as a mechanic and engineer. His love and talent for working with his hands followed him throughout his life. There wasn’t much George couldn’t fix—from cars and big rigs to whatever else needed to be done. If it was broken, George was usually ready to figure it out. George was a family man in every sense of the word. He and his beloved wife, Jo Lois, built a family filled with love, laughter, and countless memories. Together, they raised four children: John (Rosa), Velva (Ron), Tara, and Heather (Mark). But George’s heart was much bigger than the children he was blessed with biologically; he was also known as dad to Valencia, James, Eddie, Christie and so many others.

George was also an amazing Pawpaw to his grandchildren—James, Michael (Namita), Destiny (Dustin), DJ (RIH), Donavon (Kenyatta), Derrica (Brandon), Avant, D’Andre, Vellisa, Tiara (Will), Tisha, Ashlynn, Nate and Cloë —were a tremendous source of joy and pride. George also leaves behind 10 great-grandchildren, along with countless nieces, nephews, adopted children, neighborhood children, and friends who became family. He opened his home and his heart to many children in the neighborhood, treating them as his own.

Pawpaw (Daddy) was always giving in when asked for money to go skating or to the corner store we knew there was one special phrase that meant yes.

“I guess so.” When the parents said no, the grandkids knew there was always a chance Pawpaw might say, “I guess so.” That was George—loving, generous, and always willing to give somebody another chance to smile.

George was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jo Lois; sister Roberta; his mother, Zera; father, Jessie; in-laws Joe and Lois; his daughter-in-law Rosa and daredevil grandson, DJ. We can only imagine DJ is already getting the party started and getting everything ready for Pawpaw’s arrival.

George leaves to cherish his memory his brothers, Jimmy (Mary) and Donnie (Deborah); sister-in-law Dotty (Dale); brother-in-law Daryl; his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, adopted children, friends, and a host of loved ones who were blessed to know him.

George was a God-fearing man. Church was once a mandatory Sunday tradition for George, his wife, and their children. Although life eventually took him away from regularly attending church, the foundation of faith he gave his children never left them. His family knows the love of God surrounded them, and they carry many testimonies of God’s love, grace, and mercy throughout their lives.

George was a devoted Trekkie, loved oldies music, and a good car show. He loved all kinds of cars—from race cars to the fixer-upper that might still be sitting in the driveway waiting for him. He loved anything that allowed him to use his hands, his imagination, and his skills.

If you knew George you definitely knew he was a talker and a storyteller no matter how many times he told you the same one you listened. He was our protector, son, brother, husband, pawpaw and friend he was a man who made room at his table and in his heart for people who needed somewhere to belong.

There are more stories about George than could ever fit inside one obituary—and he probably wouldn’t want us sitting in this building all day talking away, ok maybe he would. He definitely would want us to celebrate the life he lived, the laughter he gave us and celebrate the memories that will never leave us.

As we say goodbye, we can picture George spreading those amazing wings his wife lovingly combed out for him, getting ready to soar into Heaven and reunite with the woman he loved.

Knowing George, he probably has already found a car show, turned up the oldies, found DJ, and is getting ready to tell everybody one more story.

On behalf of the Demoin, Langdon, Douglas, Serino, Swindle, Magee, Evans, and many other families and loved ones, we want everyone to know just how deeply George was loved.

His family knows he will continue watching over them with those amazing wings, carrying their love with him and leaving his love behind in every life he touched.

Rest peacefully, George (dad, pawpaw).

We love you. We miss you. And we will carry you with us always.