George Voth, 90, of Hutchinson and formerly of Garden City, died Oct. 2, 2012, in Hutchinson.

He was born July 24, 1922, in McPherson, Kan., growing up in Elyria, son of Emma (Flickinger) Voth and George Cornelius Voth.

George was recently preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Marilynn. He is survived by: four sons, Scott of St. Louis, Kent (Debbie) of Wichita, Todd (Emily) of Kansas City, Ned (Jana) of Littleton, Colo.; and four grandchildren, Elliott (Jenny) of Bangkok, Thailand, Mitchell of New York, NY, Hillary of Cochabamba, Bolivia, and Andrea of Chicago.

George graduated from McPherson High School followed by McPherson College in 1943. He then enlisted in the United States Army, where he served in World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart upon his Honorable Discharge. After his return, he did post-graduate studies at University of Kansas, Lawrence. George was married to Ruth Marilynn Sandy on June 8, 1947. The couple moved to Moundridge, then Sylvia, Bloom and eventually Hutchinson, where George became manager of the local Co-op elevators. In 1953, George was a playing member of the National Championship American Legion basketball team. The family later moved to Garden City for 15 years, where George became manager of the Garden City Co-op, while also serving as member and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Farmland Industries, Inc, Kansas City. He returned to Hutchinson in 1972 upon being named President and Chief Executive Officer of Far-Mar-Co, a global grain-marketing cooperative. In 1979, he was named Senior Consultant, Chief of Party, for various international assignments in Manila, Bangkok and Cairo for the US State Department and Agency for International Development.

From the beginning, George devoted his career to farmer-owned cooperatives and agri-business. Over the years, he served on numerous businesses, civic and church boards, most recently as a proud board member for Wesley Towers as Finance Chairman. George and Marilynn were loyal members of the First United Methodist Church, Hutchinson, and the Tri M Sunday School Class. George leaves behind family, friends and acquaintances from around the area and the world. He was known to all for his easy grin, friendly handshake and welcoming, good-natured ways. His newly acquired skills at Bingo could never surpass his love of a wheezing laugh or watching any and all sports. The family would like to thank the Hester Care staff of Wesley Towers for their ongoing care and dedication in serving both our parents over the years.

Memorial Service with military honors provided by Fort Riley Honor Guard will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, at First United Methodist Church, 101 East First Ave., Hutchinson, with Reverend Mark Conard officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, with the family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary. Private burial services for family at McPherson Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Wesley Towers Good Samaritan Fund or First United Methodist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.