FRANKLIN
George Anthony Adrian, 95, Franklin, passed away on Friday, March 31, 2017.
Born March 11, 1922, in Indianapolis, to George J. and Edith Adrian, he was a graduate of Southport High School and Purdue University. He served in the Pacific for the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Upon returning from the war, he worked hard to turn his Dad’s fruit growing hobby, into a business, Adrian Orchards.
Over the years, he served as a volunteer fireman in Perry Township, mail carrier and was a member on Perry Township School Board for eight years.
George was instrumental in the start up of Central 9 Career Center and was Past President of the Indiana Horticulture Society.
He also founded Cherry Creek Orchards in Pontotoc, Mississippi (an apple and peach orchard) and was involved in the University of Mississippi Agriculture Extension.
He was a member of St. Roch Catholic Church and attended St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.
Survivors include his wife, Effiemae “Dutch” Adrian; children, Janet Adrian-Nixon, Anna Adrian-Murphy, Julie Adrian-Aumen, George J. (Monika) Adrian, Mark Adrian and Philip Adrian; stepchildren, David Kingen, Mark Kingen and Karen Etcitty; seven grandchildren; six step grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; siblings, Paul Adrian, Sister Paulita (Dolores Adrian) and Irene McDuff. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Carolyn (Bottema) Adrian; grandson, George A. Adrian, and sister Mary Ann Sigward.
Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at G.H. Herrmann Madison Avenue Funeral Home, 5141 Madison Ave., Indianapolis. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Roch Catholic Church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, where military graveside rites will be conducted.
Memorial contributions may be made to Indiana Tree Fruit Industry Return Bloom Fund at Purdue University, Dept Of Horticulture, 625 Ag Mall Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47907.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at ghherrmann.com
