George Corwin Van Husen

George Corwin Van Husen was born October 29, 1920 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His parents were George E. and Evaline Van Husen. He died peacefully at home on March 31, 2009. He attended school in Grand Rapids and graduated from the University of Michigan in 1948. A veteran of World War II, he served in the Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1946 as a B-17 and B-29 navigator. On June 2, 1946, George married Bonnell Armistead in the First Methodist Church of Fort Stockton, Texas. After graduating from the University of Michigan, they moved to Midland in 1948. He became active in the oil and gas industry as a producer and oil operator. He was associated with the Western Company, Blackwood and Nichols Company, D.W. St. Clair, St. Clair Energy Corp., B.E.C. Corp., and was owner of Strata Petroleum Company. George loved music. He sang in the church choir in his youth, with the USO in World War II, was a member of the University of Michigan Men's Glee Club, a charter member of the Midland Odessa Symphony Chorale, and sang with the sanctuary choir of First Presbyterian Church for 60 years. He also served his church as elder and deacon. In addition to music and singing, he enjoyed travel, reading and playing tennis.George is survived by his wife of 62 years, Bonnie; sons Robert and his wife Laura of Midland, James and his wife Pamela of Phoenix, Arizona and Thomas of Midland; grandsons Russell Van Husen and his wife Kelly of Midland, David "Rocky" Van Husen and his wife Alicia of Midland; granddaughters Kelly Van Husen of Washington D.C. and Christy Youens and husband Justin of Wimberley; and great-grandchildren Trevor, Luke, Abigail, David, Julie and Tyler. He is also survived by his sister Harriet Markel of El Paso, sisters-in-law Joyce Schroeder and husband John of Phoenix, Arizona, Nancy Baker of Austin and brother-in-law John Armistead and wife Barbara of Grapevine, as well as cherished nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 3, 2009 at First Presbyterian Church of Midland with Reverend Steve Schorr and Reverend Jerry Hilton officiating. To glorify God, memorials may be directed to your place of worship, Hospice of Midland, PO Box 2621, Midland, Texas 79702 or a favorite charity. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com.,