George T. Killinger died April 29 at the age of 87.
Killinger was born on May 24, 1925 in Finely, Ohio and grew up as one of seven children. At 17, he entered the U.S. Army, where he served in Europe and became a decorated veteran of World War II.
When he returned home from the war, Killinger married Emma Jean. The pair celebrated 64 years of marriage on April 23.
The couple moved to Malibu in 1956, where they raised their five children and also cared for many young people in need of a stable, loving home.
Killinger owned his own business, Killinger Grading, which completed many different projects and played a role in the growth of Malibu’s expanding residential marketplace. He also worked in the motion picture industry.
Killinger enjoyed the company of his longtime neighbors and friends. He also loved animals, especially his dogs, which he took with him everywhere he went.
Killinger is survived by his wife, Emma Jean Killinger, their daughters, eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Services will take place Saturday, May 11, at Gates, Kingsley & Gates, 1925 Arizona Ave., in Santa Monica, with a viewing from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and services at 2 p.m.