August 28, 1929 – June 3, 2023
Commerford
George passed away peacefully on June 3, 2023, in Boerne, Texas, with his family by his side at the age of 93. He was born in Crystal City, Missouri, on August 28, 1929, to Dr. and Mrs. James J. Commerford. He graduated from Crystal City High School in 1947 then went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering degree at the Missouri School of Mines (currently known as the University of Missouri-Rolla) in 1951.
George was drafted in the U.S. Army shortly after his college graduation and reported to Ft. Riley, Kansas, for Basic Training. He spent the next two years in the Army Chemical Corps at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland. There he was part of a team that developed valuable chemical warfare protective gear for the military. After his military enlistment, George was hired by the Olin Chemical Corporation in Niagara Falls, New York. There, he worked on what was then a classified government project to convert boron gas into fuel for jet engines and ballistic missiles. After five years of frigid winters and two fatal explosions at the chemical plant, George decided he needed a change of scenery and packed up to move southward to a place where he would never shovel snow again.
George found that place in San Antonio, Texas, in 1960 where he met his future wife, Carolyn Sloan. Together, the couple had three sons. His good fortune also landed him a job with the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). Over the period of his 20-year career with SwRI, he worked in the Chemical Engineering, Fire Technology and Engine Fuels and Lubricants divisions. Some of the research projects he was involved with included items such as time-release medications, fire retardants for house-hold items and the development of synthetic engine fuels.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Catherine Commerford; brothers, Jim, Valle, Thomas and John Commerford; sister, Kay Holmes; wife, Carolyn Commerford; and granddaughter, Ashley Commerford.
George is survived by his three sons: Christopher (Lori) Commerford, Shawn (Beth) Commerford, and Kevin Commerford (Charles Forbess); granddaughter, Cassie Solorio; and grandson, James Sagstetter.
The family will return George to his hometown of Crystal City, Missouri, where he will be buried amongst his beloved parents and siblings. To leave condolences for the family, please visit www. ebensberger-fisher.com. Arrangements with Ebensberger- Fisher Funeral Home of Boerne.
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