George G. Patchell, long time Midland teacher and coach, passed away at the age of 81 on Monday, November 26th. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 11:00AM at St. Lukes United Methodist Church in Midland. Born in Quitman, Arkansas on February 16th, 1931 to Cecil and Bernice Patchell, George grew up in Heber Springs, Arkansas. Excelling in baseball and football in his youth, George turned down a minor league baseball contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates to attend Arkansas State Teachers College (ASTC) in 1951. It was there he met the woman that would become his life-long partner, Patricia Louise Cummins (Pinky). They married in 1952. George and Pinky put college and the baseball and football teams on hold while George joined the Navy to fight in the Korean War in 1952-1954. Returning to ASTC they both got their degrees and entered the teaching profession. After assignments in Heber Springs and El Dorado, Arkansas they moved to Midland, Texas where George was part of the first year staff of Robert E. Lee High School. Over the next 30 years he positively influenced many young people as teacher and coach at Cowden Jr. High, Goddard Jr. High and Lee High School. Georges wife Pinky and brother Jack preceded him in death. George is survived by his mother Bernice of Heber Springs, Arkansas, daughter Debra of Lebanon, NJ, son Donald and daughter-in-law Mary (Mathis) of Deerfield, IL and granddaughters Mary and Sarah of Chicago, IL.In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to the Wounded Warriors, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300Jacksonville, Florida 32256 CFC #11425.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory in Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch,
