DONIPHAN -- George William Barbre, 86, died Oct. 11, 2012, at the Westwood Hills Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Poplar Bluff.
Born May 24, 1926, in Laforge, he was the son of the late Fred and Goldie Summer Barbre. When he was 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served two years, and when he was 21, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served for 21 years, retiring as a first sergeant. He served in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. He was a 32nd degree Mason. After his retirement, he and his wife taught square dancing lessons.
On Aug. 4, 1948, he married Doris Marjorie Wendt, and she preceded him in death on June 11, 1999.
He was also preceded in death by one son, Dave Barbre; four brothers; three sisters; and one great-granddaughter.
Survivors include: one daughter, Barbara Ruth Barbre of the home; one brother, James Barbre; three sisters, Ravenna Grissom, Betty Jean Mowery and Martha Morris, all of New Madrid; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Cotrell Funeral Home in Poplar Bluff.
Committal services will follow at 1 p.m. in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield. Full military rites will be provided by the Missouri Honor Guard Program.