MESA, ARIZONA – Society of Seventeen Inductee and former Sigma Tau Gamma Foundation Chairman Lieutenant Colonel, USAF George D. Gunn, Central Missouri has passed and entered Chapter Eternal on May 20, 2018. He was 99 years old.

George served as the Foundation’s Chairman from 1988-1990, serving 14 years on the Foundation from 1987-2004. In 2004, he was given the title of Foundation Emeritus Trustee. In 2000, he was bestowed the Fraternity’s highest honor by being inducted into the Society of Seventeen. His membership in Sigma Tau Gamma began in 1940 when he was initiated into Alpha Chapter at the University of Central Missouri. He graduated in 1943.

He joined the United States Air Force as a test pilot and was among the “Right Stuff” fliers of the early supersonic era. Before joining the Air Force, George was among the first ten students to receive civilian flight training at Central Missouri. His efforts are recognized at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum where his name is inscribed on their Wall of Honor for his contributions as a fighter pilot, instructor, and operations officer. He was a member of the F-86 Sabre Pilot Association and Honoree American Flight Aces Association.

After retiring from the Air Force, he began a very successful career in real estate. Using the skills, he learned during his time as a commercial real estate agent, George made a significant gift of land in the State of Arizona to the Foundation in the  1990’s which helped to grow the assets of the Foundation by nearly one-third. George’s continued contributions to the Foundation has made him a member of the Legacy Giving Society; one of only three men in the Fraternity who has reached this elite level of giving.

His generosity also extends to his alma mater where he created the Dr. Walter H. Gunn Aviation Scholarship in honor of his brother. The scholarship is available through the University of Central Missouri Foundation for a student pursuing a degree in aviation technology.

“He was such a great man and revered by the men of Sigma Tau Gamma. He is leaving a great unforgettable mark on our organization,” Society of Seventeen Inductee, Ken Hoover, IU Pennsylvania, said. “George loved his fraternity. He had a sweet charm, was witty, and had a great smile. He will be sorely missed.”

CEO Emeritus and Society of Seventeen Inductee Bill Bernier, Kent State also expressed his condolences, “Wendy and I are saddened by the passing of our dear friend and brother, George Gunn. He lived a great life and shared his love of life and friendship with all of Sigma Tau Gamma.”

Memorial Service plans have not been made available as of the date of this post. When plans are made available, this post will be updated with that information.

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ABOUT SIGMA TAU GAMMA FRATERNITY
Founded at the University of Central Missouri on June 28, 1920, the organization will commemorate its 100th Anniversary in 2020. With a presence on 85 campuses in 31 states, our membership includes 3,000 undergraduate men and 61,000 living alumni. The Headquarters, which is home to the Fraternity, Foundation, and WPN Housing Company, is located in Indianapolis, Indiana, 12 miles from the center of downtown. Visit https://sigtau.org for additional information