George Leroy Ingram

George Leroy Ingram, known as “Papa” to his family, lived a full life filled with joy, laughs, love, stories, and a deep appreciation of our universe.  Passing away at home on Pearl Harbor Day, Thursday, December 7, 2018, he left a legacy filled with adventure, patriotism, and deep appreciation of family, friends, and his dogs.  

Born in a little town of Bellaire, Ohio on the Ohio River on December 28, 1945, he was introduced at an early age to steam boats gliding up and down the river as well as steam locomotives coming in and out of his little town.  He lived a “Tom Sawyer” life in those Bellaire hills.  Moving to Lansing, Michigan at the age of 8, he was quickly introduced to a large city, fast paced living, and further developed his love for nature, the outdoors, and sense of adventure along the Grand River that runs through the city.

George was a Veteran.  He served his country for six years during the Vietnam War, mostly stationed in Okinawa, Japan, a support group to the men and women at sea, in the air, and on the ground.  His specialty and training was high tech welding on missile systems and aircraft.  Upon returning home, he met the light of his life, his wife, Nancy Ingram, married for over 45 years. 

George was a Mason.  He was a member of the Masonic order for over forty years, encouraged by his father, John Ingram, to join him in the Lansing order.

George was a Teacher.  He earned his BA and MA at Ferris State University in Welding education, teaching at three career centers in the state of Michigan as well as two community colleges.  His understanding of teenage youth paired with his deep knowledge in all areas of welding, allowed him to set up a dynamic classroom and experience a full career.  His teachings were also outside of the classroom as he shared “pearls of wisdom” to his family and friends in all areas of living and life.

George was a Family Man.  He helped raise three children, daughter Mary J. Fuhrman (Jeff) of Lansing, MI, daughter Kelli J. Robb (John) of Traverse City, MI, and son Dan L. Robinson (Kristie) of Houston, TX.  The family tree branched out with seven grandchildren, Garrett L. Fuhrman, Haley J. Fuhrman, Casey J. Fedewa, Riley J. Fedewa, Blake T. Robinson, Brody B. Robinson, and Brynn K. Robinson.  Throughout the years he became their “Papa”. 

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Roe Ingram, a brother John “Jack” Ingram (Kathy) of Barryton, MI, brother-in-law, Renny Roe (Becky) of CT and Falmouth, MI, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.  

As a couple, Nancy and George enjoyed all the beauty the United States has to offer, traveling by car or truck throughout the highways and byways and in earlier years with kayaks strapped on the roof.  George spent much time, during summers, in the Rockies - hiking, hunting trout by fly fishing, and guiding friends for that great spot to camp in Yellowstone National Park.  He hunted whitetail in Michigan, tied and taught fly tying, carved walking sticks, painted for fun, trained and hunted with his dogs, saved widows from snakes in their Florida homes, wrote short stories and was a storyteller  - all interwoven with his sense of humor.  George was a man of substance.  Both Nancy and George chose Lake City, MI as a great place to retire after their careers as educators in Lansing, Grand Ledge, Mason, Saginaw, and Coldwater, MI. 

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life service will be Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 11 a.m. at  the Young-Holdship Funeral Home in Lake City, with the Masonic Lodge conducting services and the Lake City American Legion Post 300 providing Military Honors.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Legion Post No 300 of Lake City.  

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