George L. “Sonny” Fager, 84, St. Paul, and lifelong resident of Neosho County, died Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at Prairie Mission Retirement Village. He had been in failing health.

He was born Oct. 28, 1924, in Walnut, to Henry and Genevieve Crager Fager. He grew up and attended schools in Walnut and St. Paul. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War.

In the early 1970s, he was employed by Beachner Construction, and in the late 70s, went to work as an equipment operator for Neosho County.

He enjoyed horseback riding and loved children. He especially enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews and their families. He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church in St. Paul, a 3rd degree and honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Survivors include a brother, Joe Fager, San Jose, Calif.; four sisters, Agnes VanMiddlesworth, Parsons, Betty Duling, St. Paul, Rita Ross, Houston, Texas, Barb Whitworth, Temecula, Calif.; numerous nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by six brothers and two sisters.

The funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Friday at St. Francis Catholic Church in St. Paul. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery.

The rosary will be held at 7 p.m. tonight at the church. The family will receive friends immediately following the Rosary. Friends may call at the church after 11 a.m. today.

Memorials are suggested to St. Francis Catholic Church. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.