George William Ritenour, Jr.
November 9, 1936 - June 23, 2022
George William Ritenour Jr., age 85 of La Plata, Missouri, made his journey home to be with his Lord and savior, Thursday, June 23, 2022 at the La Plata Nursing Home surrounded by his family.
Born November 9, 1936 in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, the son of George William and Evageanne (Martin) Ritenour. On June 11, 1977 in Woodbine, Georgia, he was united in marriage to Mary (Lene) Klingsmith who survives.
Also surviving are four daughters, Ina “ Chris” Ward (Joey Gould) of La Plata, Missouri, Robin (Harry) Jenkins of Ellabell, Georgia, Patti Lambert of Savannah, Georgia, and Laura (Tony) Smith of Savannah, Georgia; two brothers, Tom Ritenour of Connelsville, PA and James Wesley Ritenour of Phoenix, AZ; one sister, Beverly (Phillip) Lamunion of Warrenton, MO; eight grandchildren, Brandi Boutwell, Shelby Jenkins, Joshua Larison, Alek Smith, Cole Smith, Noah Graham, Austin Gould, and Rebecca Newton; and seven great grandchildren. His parents; one sister, Barbara; one brother, John; and one son-in-law, Glen Lambert, preceded him in death.
George served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, retiring in 1977. He moved from Savannah, GA to La Plata, MO in 1985. He was employed at A.T. Still University for a number of years. George was a member and past Commander of the La Plata American Legion and a member of the First Baptist Church in La Plata, MO.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing Santa Claus at the nursing home, helping with Boy Scout Troop #404 in Kirksville, MO, and most of all George loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.
During his time at La PLata Nursing Home he touched many lives. He referred to this as his “other home” and he was spoiled rotten by both staff and his friends he made there. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at the First Baptist Church in La Plata, Missouri. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at the church.
Burial will be in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, MO. Pallbearers will be Joshua Larison, Alek Smith, Cole Smith, Noah Graham, David Goodwin, and Brandon Lene.
Memorials in memory of George may be made to Missouri State Veterans Cemetery of Jacksonville, MO. They may be sent to or left at Travis Funeral Chapel, 125 S. Church St., La Plata, MO 63549.
