George Milton Lopeman Jr., 64, Gardner, died peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, January 17, 2010, at Villa St. Francis Nursing Home, Olathe, after a long battle with cancer.

He was born Oct. 12, 1945, in Chanute to Margaret and George Milton Lopeman Sr. He was the oldest of four children and graduated from Humboldt High School. He lived in Chanute most of his life, moved to the Kansas City area in 1991 and to Gardner in May 2009.

He had a long career, working for 40 years in the telephone industry with Southwestern Bell, AT&T, Lucent and finally Avaya until his retirement in 2006. He served in the Army National Guard and was an avid golfer.

Survivors include three children and their spouses, Shawn and Maria Lopeman, Gardner, Stan and Kristin Lopeman, Olathe, and Tara Lopeman, Irving, Texas; five grandchildren; and three siblings, Rick Lopeman, Altoona, Jim Lopeman, Tucson, Ariz., and Pam Ambrose, Milwaukee, Wis.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Cremation has been completed. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Mo Gedi’s Italian Steak House, Chanute. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Bruce Funeral Home, Gardner.

Contributions may be made to the Kidney Cancer Association.