Lt. Col. George Clay Mielenz Jr.

Lt. Col. George Clay Mielenz, Jr. 92, a former 41 year resident of Beaumont and who spent the past two years in Kemah, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 9, 2017. He was born on December 24, 1924, in Yankton, South Dakota, to his parents George Mielenz, Sr. and Ruby Tralle Mielenz who preceded him in death.

At Yankton High School he was an outstanding athlete and class president. It was there he met Janice Alder, his high school sweetheart, who he later married. She was his best friend, and they celebrated 71 years of marriage in November 2016.

He lived a life of service to his country and his community. After graduating from Yankton High School in 1943, he immediately went into the Army Air Corps. He was a distinguished pilot in the Strategic Air Command in the U.S. Air Force, with a career that spanned for 31 years, and took him around the globe. While in the service, he earned his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Omaha in Nebraska.

He believed in giving back, and participated in many community service projects with the Masons and the Retired Officers’ Association. He also served as the Potentate of the El Mina Shriners of Galveston, Texas.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He leaves his family with many fond memories of epic road trips, water skiing, and grilling in all kinds of weather. He was a gentle and caring person, with quick smile and a great sense of humor.

He is survived by his loving wife, Janice Alder Mielenz, and his three children: Michael Mielenz and his wife Cecile; Jane Mielenz Morehouse; and, David Mielenz and his wife Mary; five grandchildren, Jennifer Mielenz Muhm and her husband Jeff, Christine Mielenz Howell and her husband Tye, Christopher Mielenz, Alder Mielenz, Zoe Mielenz; and two great grandchildren, Ella Muhm and James Howell.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Robert Mielenz, Lenore Miller, Catherine Corrons, and his son-in-law Steve Morehouse.

His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at the Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with burial and military graveside rites to follow at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Burns Hospital, 711 7th Street, Galveston, Texas, 77550, in honor of Lt. Col. George C. Mielenz, Jr.