Ora George Prewitt

ORA GEORGE PREWTT March 16, 1921 - November 6, 2012 Ora George Prewitt, 91, of Twin Falls, ID, passed away Tuesday evening, November 6, 2012, at Bridgeview Estates, surrounded by his loving family. He lived a long and full life and was more than ready to continue his life journey in Heaven and be reunited with his beloved wife. George was born March 16, 1921, in Long Beach, Calif., the first child of Rolly Taylor Prewitt and Margaret Iliff Prewitt. He grew up in Riverside, CA and graduated from Riverside Poly High School in 1940. George joined the Army Air Force and was proud to serve his country in WWII. From his base at Polebrook, Northamptonshire, England, he flew 34 successful bombing raids over Germany as a top turret gunner in a B-17, the greatest plane ever made, in his opinion. He never talked a great deal about his involvement in the War, but the experience had a profound impact on his life and he stayed in contact with several of his comrades for the rest of their lives. We have lost another valued WWII veteran, to whom we all owe a huge debt of gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy today. George would want all of us to remember one thing: "Freedom is not Free; many have paid the price." At the end of the War, George married his best friend, life partner, and soul-mate, Elizabeth (Betty) Jean Harris at the Presbyterian Church in Riverside where they had met, on August 3rd, 1945. They lived a good life together for nearly 67 years, until Betty passed away in June of this year. George and Betty were blessed with a daughter, Margaret (Peggy) Seigworth Schroeder, and a son, George Thomas (Tom) Prewitt. George went to work for the City of Riverside soon after the War, in the Light Dept. as a Cable Splicer. He was extremely talented and could draw, plan, and make almost anything. He loved welding, and after years of working weekends and evenings in his own business, he left the City for a few years and ran his business full time, Multi-Industries and Mfg. in Riverside, CA. He built custom horse trailers, boat trailers, and just about anything anyone needed. He eventually returned to the City Light Dept where he worked until his retirement. During these years George was very active in Victoria United Presbyterian Church, where he taught Sunday School and served on many boards and in many capacities. When his children were in high school he was involved in the local FFA, and helped start an FFA Booster Club of parents and supporters of the ag program. Other interests included hunting and fishing, and he was involved in shooting ranges and gun clubs in the Riverside-San Bernardino area. George and Betty retired to Rimforest in the San Bernardino mountains. They enjoyed living in the mountains and George soon began a new career at Rim Lumber. He loved working with his fellow employees there and helping contractors and customers for 10 yrs before retiring again. He became very involved with the Arrowhead Fish and Game Gun Club, serving as president and as Range Master, and developed his skill as an excellent trap-shooter. George and Betty also spent many winters volunteering at the Salton Sea State Park, which they enjoyed very much. In 1990 George and Betty moved to Twin Falls, ID to be closer to their daughter. They enjoyed camping and exploring Idaho, and George spent many happy hours in his shop, always creative, making many wood-working projects that have now become family heirlooms for his children and grandchildren. In his last years, his greatest pleasure was his family. He was extremely proud of the success and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, and adored his great-grandchilden. He was a good man. He was a great American soldier. He was our mentor and taught us the importance of honesty, hard work, and helping others. He will be greatly missed, but will live on in our hearts and memories forever. George was preceded in death by his parents and his precious wife, Betty. He is survived by his daughter Peggy (Mike) Schroeder of Twin Falls, ID, and his son Tom (Geri) Prewitt of Riverside, CA. His grandchildren are: Scott (Robyn) Seigworth and Matt Seigworth of Twin Falls, ID, and Raleigh (Amy) Prewitt, Michael (Rebekah) Prewitt, and Mackenzie Prewitt of Riverside, CA. His great-grandchildren are: Bayley Seigworth, Ali Moore, and Kylar Moore of Twin Falls, and triplets Michael, Haleigh, and Rhiannon Prewitt of Riverside, CA. He is also survived by one brother, Homer Prewitt of Riverside, CA. as well as many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held for George on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home. "If you don't believe in Heroes, then you haven't met my Dad" Those who wish may share memories on his memorial page at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.