George Martin Whitson, 93, of Findlay, died peacefully Sunday, October 13, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born January 6, 1931, in East Lansing, Michigan, to George and Gertrude (Foster) Whitson. He married Shirlee Jacobs on June 7, 1952.

George and Shirlee both graduated from Michigan State University in 1952 and, after a honeymoon in Niagara Falls and New York City, they drove to Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty) in North Carolina, where George reported for duty in the U.S. Army. After serving two years as a Military Police Instructor, George left the Army as a 1st Lieutenant and the couple returned to Michigan.

George was working at Ohio Oil Company (now Marathon Oil) when he transferred in 1963 to the company’s headquarters in Findlay. He left Marathon as its Real Estate Manager in 1965 and soon founded Whitson Properties, a real estate investment and development firm.

He quickly grew to love Findlay and was one of its most enthusiastic cheerleaders.

George was very active in civic organizations. He served 16 years on the University of Findlay’s Board of Trustees, was awarded an honorary doctorate and was named a trustee emeritus. He served 14 years as a member of the Board of Trustees of Winebrenner Theological Seminary, where he was also named a trustee emeritus.

He was also active in Findlay Area Youth for Christ, National Public Radio of Northwest Ohio, Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce and Findlay Rotary Club among other organizations.

George had a strong religious faith and was a longtime member of the College First Church of God.

Along with his wife he is survived by three daughters, Diane (Clifford) Hite of Findlay, Barbara (Bob) George of Findlay and Linda (Scott) Stocker of Lexington, Kentucky; a son, John (Patricia) Whitson of Findlay; a daughter-in-law Cynthia Whitson of Findlay, 18 grand children and 14 great-grandchildren; and a sister Nancy Kandel of Long Island, New York. He was predeceased by a son; Paul Whitson, two granddaughters; Katie Ann Whitson and Tess Louise Whitson; and a sister, Sally Sullivan.

George was a huge Michigan Spartans fan- he and Shirlee had season football tickets for more than 50 years in Spartan Stadium. He also passionately cheered for all Detroit professional sports teams.

His greatest loves were his wife, his children, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren.

Calling hours are Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home, 500 Lima Avenue, Findlay. A memorial Celebration of Life will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at College First Church of God, 1100 North Main Street, Findlay, with an additional calling hour at the church prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in George’s name may be made to the University of Findlay, 1000 North Main Street or Winebrenner Theological Seminary, 950 North Main Street, Findlay, Ohio 45840.

Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com.