RATON, N.M. -- George A. Jirik, 75, died Nov. 12, 2006, in Raton, N.M.

He was born March 21, 1931, to James and Orpha Jirik in Palisade. He grew up in Palisade and attended and graduated from Palisade High School and Milford Trade School.

He enlisted in the Navy, serving four years in Korea.

In August 1956, he married Gwynne Bennett in Wallace. They lived in Hayes Center, Wallace and Palisade, before moving to Brule, where he started his own plumbing business.

In 2005, he retired due to health reasons and they moved to Raton, N.M.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Georgia.

Survivors include his wife, Gwynne of Raton; two sons, Gale of Raton, N.M., and Greg of Windsor, Colo.; two brothers, James of Gaineville, Ga., and Leroy of Denver, Colo.; four grandchildren; and numerous other relatives.

Memorial services will be Saturday, Dec. 16, 2006, at 1:30 p.m. at the Congregational Church in Brule. A private family inurnment will be Friday.

Family visitation will be before and after the service at the Brule Community Center.