George Triplett

George Vernon Triplett, 87, died on August 6^th at the Hillsboro Medical Center, Hillsboro, ND.

George was born on November 17, 1923 to Alvin and Donna (Phillips) Triplett in Mercedes, TX though he spent most of his childhood in San Antonio, TX. He grew up during the Depression years which shaped his whole life. He was a frugal man and a saver of everything. At 19, he entered the Navy, enlisting for 6 years in hope of receiving some education. He began his enlistment earning his high school equivalency with some college classes as well.

George entered WWll as an Electricians Mate, joining his ship in the Aleutian Islands. He stayed with the USS Ammen for most of the war in many battles throughout the Pacific . Most notable was the picket line at Okinawa, where his ship was hit by a kamikaze pilot and damaged, but not sunk. George was also one of the military that was in Japan shortly after the bomb, and the surrender. He took pictures of the devastation.

Throughout his nearly 12 years in the Navy he advanced steadily, reaching Warrant Officer. By that time we were in another war (Korea) and George had a family. He chose a civilian life. George had married Caroline Duggan in 1949 and they had 1 daughter and 2 sons during their Navy years. In civilian life the family settled in Alameda, CA and had another son and daugher.

In CA, George opened an Appliance Repair business. His 3 sons grew in that atmosphere and became part of the family business for many years. George was also very proud of earning his Pilot's license and becoming part owner of a small plane. Eventually George and Caroline divorced but remained good friends. At age 75 George moved to Hillsboro, ND to be near his oldest daughter, Sandra (Beach) for help and companionship. He lived in the Kiwanis Apartments for nearly 10 years before going to the Assisted Living and then the Long Term Care at the Hillsboro Medical Center.

George is survived by 2 daughters, Sandra Beach (Jim), Hillsboro, ND and Ginny Raber (Mike), Alameda, CA, and 2 sons, Kevin Triplett and Allan Triplett, both from Alameda, CA. He is also survived by 3 grandchildren: Kevin Beach, Hillsboro, ND, Dana Triplett Ortiz (Chris), Deltona, FL, Nicholas Raber, Alameda, CA and 2 great grandsons: Mason Ortiz and Dominik Ortiz, Deltona, FL.

George was preceded in death by his ex-wife, Caroline, 1 son, Danny, his parents, Alvin and Donna (Phillips) Triplett, 1 brother and wife, Arthur (Lotis) Triplett, 2 sisters and their husbands, Norma (Mayo) Melton, Ruth (Jay) Geis, and a baby sister who died 9 days after birth.

George is interred in the Riverside Cemetery in Hillsboro, ND.