George C Newlin

GEORGE C. NEWLIN MERRILLVILLE, IN 1918-2013 Born and raised in Hammond, George was youngest of eight children. Because childhood summers were spent fishing on the Kankakee River with his family, George grew to know the river like the back of his hand. Fishing remained a favorite activity throughout his life—and he continued to ice fish until he wasn’t able to do so anymore. He also enjoyed baseball and golf. As a left hander, he threw an excellent knuckle ball, even at the age of 55; and he always had a consistent golf score, playing his last round at the age of 85. After graduating from Hammond High in 1937, George took an interest in bricklaying, but his plans changed in 1941 when he was drafted into the Army. He was assigned to the 989th Field Artillery Battalion, which followed within days of the D-Day Invasion in Normandy, landing on Utah Beach. From there, he was involved in the European Campaign until WWII ended. While on leave in 1942, George married his hometown girlfriend, Mary Jane Daily. He was Honorably Discharged in 1945, and following a long line of family Brick Masons, started his Bricklaying Apprenticeship that same year. He worked with his tools until his retirement in 1980 and has been a member of Bricklayers LU #4 in Merrillville for 68 years. George was also a member of the American Legion Post #20 in Crown Point. Married for 65 years, George lost Mary Jane in 2007. Together they raised six children and enjoyed eight grandchildren. He was handy with a grill, cooked a great turkey and ham, and could quiet the most cantankerous baby. He resided in Merrillville most of his life. George, age 95, was preceded in death by his wife Mary Jane; son Daniel G.; four brothers: Walter Newlin, Malcolm Newlin, Harry Newlin, and Ralph Newlin; and three sisters: Virginia Newlin, Betty Smith, and Kathryn Binhammer. Survivors include five children: Jo Alice Cervone (Daniel), Georgia Blanco (Mike), Mary Kay Fasel (Darrel), Dale Newlin (Karen) and Dawn Newlin; eight grandchildren: Diane Newlin, Salvadore Porras, Mitchell Fasel, Daniel Newlin, Jonathan Fasel, Allison Newlin, Clay Newlin, and Christopher Newlin; and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Saturday January 11, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 Cline Ave., Schererville, IN 46375. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until the time of the service on Saturday. Private burial will be in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens at a later date. To leave online condolences,