IN LOVING MEMORY OF
George A.
Vagis
November 22, 2016
Obituary
ELKHART — George Allen Vagis died Tuesday, Nov. 22, at Elkhart General Hospital at the age of 85.
He was born Feb. 17, 1932.
He was preceded in death by his girlfriend of 30 years, Jackie Barkman and a son, Steve Vagis.
He leaves behind a son, Brock (Denise) Vagis and daughter Stephanie Vagis Wade of Elkhart, a daughter, Rene Bontrager, and son Paul (Gwen) Vagis of Conroe, Texas; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and a host of good friends.
George was adopted by an Elkhart couple as a baby, but lost his adoptive father at age 2 and mother at age 12.
George enlisted in the military at age 17, serving as a topographical drafter and post-artist.
He was a veteran of the Korean War.
George had the gift of gab. He even had his own radio show during the conflict and spoke fondly of these years.
After leaving the military he enrolled in the American Academy of Arts in Chicago on a full scholarship. Though he was only there for a short time, this stint helped fine tune a love for art that would last his entire life.
After a brief stint as a brakeman on the New York Central, George worked for years in the RV industry for multiple companies and in multiple roles from designer to sales manager. He was an excellent salesman and made friends and colleagues everywhere he went.
After retiring from sales he began a career as a professional artist.
George was a fantastic artist, his works having been displayed by the Phoenix Symphony and the New Orleans Jazz Festival and winning many awards throughout the years. Until one month prior to death, he was a resident artist and sales manager at the Silk Purse Gallery in Elkhart.
George was an avid Notre Dame and Cubs fan, loved animals and never met a stranger. He was loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.
George's remains will be interred at the Veterans Towers at Prairie Street Cemetery in Elkhart. A local celebration of George's life and work will be announced.
Arrangements for George are under the care and direction of Billings Funeral Home.
He was born Feb. 17, 1932.
He was preceded in death by his girlfriend of 30 years, Jackie Barkman and a son, Steve Vagis.
He leaves behind a son, Brock (Denise) Vagis and daughter Stephanie Vagis Wade of Elkhart, a daughter, Rene Bontrager, and son Paul (Gwen) Vagis of Conroe, Texas; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and a host of good friends.
George was adopted by an Elkhart couple as a baby, but lost his adoptive father at age 2 and mother at age 12.
George enlisted in the military at age 17, serving as a topographical drafter and post-artist.
He was a veteran of the Korean War.
George had the gift of gab. He even had his own radio show during the conflict and spoke fondly of these years.
After leaving the military he enrolled in the American Academy of Arts in Chicago on a full scholarship. Though he was only there for a short time, this stint helped fine tune a love for art that would last his entire life.
After a brief stint as a brakeman on the New York Central, George worked for years in the RV industry for multiple companies and in multiple roles from designer to sales manager. He was an excellent salesman and made friends and colleagues everywhere he went.
After retiring from sales he began a career as a professional artist.
George was a fantastic artist, his works having been displayed by the Phoenix Symphony and the New Orleans Jazz Festival and winning many awards throughout the years. Until one month prior to death, he was a resident artist and sales manager at the Silk Purse Gallery in Elkhart.
George was an avid Notre Dame and Cubs fan, loved animals and never met a stranger. He was loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.
George's remains will be interred at the Veterans Towers at Prairie Street Cemetery in Elkhart. A local celebration of George's life and work will be announced.
Arrangements for George are under the care and direction of Billings Funeral Home.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of George A. Vagis, please visit our flower store.
Services
Celebration Of Life Service Will Be At A Later Date