George Edward Stovall Jr.

George Edward Stovall Jr., 65, of Topeka, passed away Friday, July 12, 2019.

He was born August 22, 1953, in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of George and Sylvia (Westbrook) Stovall. He received a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Berry College.

Immediately after finishing high school in Cleveland, Ohio, George enlisted in the Army in 1971 and stationed in Ft. Bragg, NC. George served his country for three years and was honorably discharged in 1974 at the rank of Specialist 5. Several years later, George enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard as a reservist officer and later became active duty after 9/11. He was ordered to New Orleans for Hurricane Katrina and then eventually received orders to move to Topeka, KS where he retired from the U.S. Coast Guard as a Commanding Officer O-5.

Growing up in Atlanta Georgia, George attended Therrell High school but ultimately graduated from North Olmstead High school when his family moved to Cleveland, Ohio. After being discharged from the Army, George attended Baldwin Wallace for his undergraduate degree where he played on the football team. He later transferred to Berry College in Mount Berry, Georgia where he received his BS in Accounting and finally his MBA specialized in Accounting.

After college, George pursued his dreams of seeing the rest of the country by working as a park ranger at the southern rim of the Grand Canyon and working in the accounting departments at Bryce Canyon & Zion National Park in Utah. From there he set off on a long road trip on his motorcycle ranging from Colorado, Canada, California, Mexico, and back. He eventually moved to Florida and met his wife, Linda. They raised two children together throughout their 36 years of marriage. George worked in several accounting manager roles at various companies including Moltech Power Systems (Energizer), CH2M Hill, RTI Biologics, and more. After living in Florida for many years, George and his wife moved to Topeka, KS to conclude his career with the U.S. Coast Guard working as a Civilian in accounting for the U.S. Homeland Security.

During his free time, George joined the Topeka Masonic Lodge, the Arab Shriner Brotherhood, and volunteered as a master BBQ judge for the Kansas City Barbeque Society. He also enjoyed spending his free time with his grandson, Korben.

George married Linda Pickarski on May 14, 1983 in Sanibel Island, Florida, she survives. Other survivors include his daughter, Amber Stovall and son, George Stovall, III; siblings, Connie (Wayne) Freeman, Chrissie Stovall and Gerald Stovall; grandson, Korben Davis; nephews, Todd and Brian Freeman; niece, Julie Stovall; mother-in-law, Dixie Kelly; brother-in-law, Greg Pickarski. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Funeral Ceremony will be at 1:00 pm., Friday, July 19, 2019 at the Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka. The family will greet friends an hour prior to service time. Memorial Contributions may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Los Angeles Office 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 200 Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, Kansas City Barbecue Society, 2519 Madison Avenue, Suite 100 Kansas City, MO or to Shriner's Hospital for Children 440 Clayton Ave St. Louis, MO 63110.

Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is assisting the family. To leave a message for George's family online, please visit the guestbook below.