George A. Gaun, of Sierra Vista, Ariz., born September 26, 1934, in Emporium, PA, passed away at age 90, peacefully at home on Divine Mercy Sunday. George has been married to Martha since November 1957. They met in Martha’s home state of South Carolina, through their respective Newman Club associations for dances and religious convocations. George graduated from the Citadel, and Martha graduated from Winthrop College.
George joined the Army in 1963 and served two tours in Vietnam. As a Captain, Military Intelligence, in Saigon 1966 and in Song Be 1968, George found the Montagnards to be friendly, responsive, and productive. In his second tour in 1971, now a Major, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, among others. George earned a Master of Business from New York University and a Master of Public Administration from Golden Gate University. He retired from the Army in 1993.
After being assigned to Fort Huachuca, the Gaun family became active in the Sierra Vista Community. They have five children: Michael, Lauren, Stephen, Lawrence, and William, and six grandchildren. One great-grandson is on the way.
In 1976, George, Dee Foster, and others founded the Sierra Vista Youth Soccer Club. He was President, Coach, and Referee for the Club. He was a Knight of Columbus in 1968 and was elected as Grand Knight in 1991. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1996 and served for 25 years. Both George and Martha have served in the Society of Saint Vincent De Paul and were active parishioners at St. Andrews Catholic Church, where his funeral will be held on May 7th, Rosary at 10 a.m., Mass at 10:30 a.m. Burial is at Veterans Cemetery at noon. The Gaun family would like to thank Valor Hospice and George’s Caregivers, Ronie, Lucy, Jeram, and Keisha.