George Wilbur Checketts

George Wilbur Checketts, 89, of San Diego, died Thursday, March 26, after a brief battle with pneumonia and kidney failure. He was born to the late George Kenny Checketts and Mabel Bert Stark on December 19, 1925 in Highland Park, Michigan.

George, known as Bill to his family and old friends, grew up in Farmington, Michigan. He graduated from Farmington High School and served in the United States Navy for three years from 1943 to 1946, eventually working as an X Ray Technician. After the end of WW2 and a brief stint with the United States Army in the ROTC, he went on to complete his bachelor's degree at Michigan State College (later University). As a young man, he delivered newspapers and magazines, helped out in the family auto dealership, built several houses in the Farmington area, and owned and operated the Dairy Maid Ice Cream Store. He later worked as a Claims Specialist for State Farm Insurance

George was married to Mary Ellen Leggat from 1957 to 1969. He fathered three children, Eric Michael, Gregory William, and Diane Susan McKay. He was the proud grandfather of Diane's children Douglas and Sarah Franetzki. Upon his retirement in 1988, he and his son Eric moved to San Diego, CA, an area he had grown fond of while camped out in Balboa Park during his Basic Military Training in 1944.

George liked to travel and ski. He took his family on many family trips, and after he retired to spent a lot of time traveling all over the world. He became an accomplished wood worker in his retirement, creating many pieces that live on in his childrens' homes. He is survived by his three children and grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held for George at the El Camino Memorial Park on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at 1:00 p.m.