George Edward Creager

Sunday, February 6th, 2022, our beloved and favorite pilot, George Edward Creager, took his final flight into the arms of Jesus at the age of 76. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend, and he will be greatly missed.

George was born on February 26th,1945 in Bradenton, Florida to Don and Frederica Creager. He spent much of his childhood on the family gladiola farm in St. Anne, Illinois until they relocated to Florida, first to Gainesville and then to Jacksonville. He graduated from Terry Parker High School in Jacksonville, FL where he played the saxophone in the band. He then furthered his education at Jacksonville University where his father was a professor. During this time George also served in the Army National Guard for five years. It was at the university that he met his future bride, Gina, getting her attention by sitting in the seat behind her in Psychometrics class and making cat noises. His tactics worked and on September 4th, 1971, George married Gina Lyons of Savannah, GA. Together they had three beautiful daughters of whom he was very proud. As a family, they enjoyed many adventures together and especially enjoyed snow skiing trips with friends. George was a humble and selfless man of quiet faith who loved unconditionally and had a great sense of humor. He never met a stranger and would tell his whole life story if they allowed him the time. His love and devotion to his family and friends were immeasurable. We know our Lord and Savior welcomed him into “his little slice of heaven” with open arms and said, “well done my good and faithful servant.”

George always wanted to be a pilot and pursued his passion for flying airplanes during his college years. Flying soon became his career and eventually landed him in San Antonio, TX and then in Austin, TX where he made a home for his family and made a living flying airplanes, first for the Attorney General’s Office and later for other politicians, businessmen and friends. He always seemed surprised that people would pay him to do something he loved doing so much. In addition to his pilot duties, George also became the office manager for Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Austin, his home congregation, and somehow managed to handle both for over twenty years. At Gethsemane he was sometimes lovingly called the King of the Clothes Closet and Priest of the Food Pantry and known for the humorous way he would answer the office phone. He was also Pilot for the Pastors as he flew them to some of their church related events.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Frederica Creager, his sister Celia Clark, and son-in-law, Jose Davila. He is survived by his wife, Gina, his daughters and sons-in-law, Shannon and Greg Turner, Staci and Greg Yount, and Shellie Davila, and his grandchildren, Kaylee and Kamden Turner, Tyler, Cody and Morgan Yount, and Sean and Sophia Davila, his brother and sister-in-law Bruce and Ann Creager, niece Ashley Golden, nephew Shaun Creager, brothers-in-law Nick Clark, Ed Lyons and Charlie Lyons and their families, as well as many extended family members and many dear lifelong friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at 2:00 pm. at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 200 W. Anderson Ln, Austin, TX, 78752. Because of Covid protocols, masks are required inside the church. The service can also be viewed through live stream on the church website www.gethsemaneaustin.org. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in George’s honor to Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Hospice Austin’s Christopher House or a charity of your choice. The family is thankful for the outpouring of prayers and support, and most importantly, your special friendships with George and the family throughout the years.