George Robert McBane, proud, decorated veteran
George Robert McBane, 75, of Georgetown, passed away surrounded by family Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Bayhealth Medical Center in Milford. He was born in Wilmington Dec. 6, 1947, son of the late William J. and Rosalyn J. (Dunlap) McBane.
George graduated from Milford High School in 1966 and received an associate’s degree from Delaware Technical Community College in 1973. In 1979, he met his future wife, Judy, while he was employed by Beckman. George was a member of VFW Post 7478, where he obtained a service officer certificate in 1993. He was also a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Vietnam Veterans of America. George was proud of the charities he was involved in, including St. Judes, Shriner's, Smile Train, Tunnel to Towers and Vietnam Veterans of America. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1966-72, when he was honorably discharged. George received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, RVNCM w/Device Medal, Vietnam Counter Offensive Phase III Medal, and the Tet Counter Offensive Medal.
George loved the music of John Prine, Bob Dylan, the Grateful Dead, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. He loved watching NASCAR on Sundays, became rated as a solo ultralight pilot Aug. 30, 1984, and was a huge fan and participant of the Hot Rod era.
In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by a brother, William J. McBane II; and a sister, Beverly (McBane) Churchwell. He is survived by his wife, Judith A. (Major) McBane. Judy and George reunited in 2011, married in 2016 in Las Vegas, and resided in Georgetown in the house he had built. He is also survived by a son, Seneca Hayden (Cynthia); granddaughters, Sienna and Solenn; a sister, Juanita Lux (Alex); brothers, Howard McBane (Linda) and Harold McBane; many nieces and nephews; and best friends, Betty, John, Trevor, Tim, Ken and Bob.
Special thanks to nephew Bill, his wife Anna Marie, and their children for coming through when no one else could, with Sen. David Wilson and Rep. Jesse Vanderwende, for expediting the special tribute proclamation for George for his Vietnam service. Also to Patrick Moonan of the Vietnam Veterans of America. George was truly grateful and accepted the tributes on behalf of all Vietnam Veterans who have passed and are still with us.
A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 17, at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 307 N. Bedford St., Georgetown. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m., Thursday, May 18, at the funeral home. Final chapel prayers with military honors will follow the service at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation in George’s name to the Vietnam Veterans of America at vva.org/donate.
Visit George's Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
